Three of northwestern Ontario’s First Nation communities are seeing skyrocketing COVID-19 case counts, and Canada’s military has been called in to assist.
The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority reports that as of February 15, Mishkegoogamang Ojibway Nation has 165 active COVID-19 cases, Eabametoong First Nation has 113 active cases and members are currently in lockdown, while Pikangikum First Nation reports a total of 77 active cases.
Overall, SLFNHA says their catchment area is seeing a total of 427 active cases of the virus, with 284 of those cases all coming within the last seven days. Prior to these outbreaks, Eabametoong only had 11 confirmed cases since March of 2020, while Mishkegoogamang reported 15.
Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, says the federal government has approved requests for federal assistance from the Ontario government to support Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang, and Canadian Rangers will be deployed in both communities.
Indigenous Services Canada says Canadian Rangers will be in Mishkeegogamang until February 24, with Rangers in Eabametoong leaving one-day prior.
As well, Neskantaga First Nation has stepped up to assist with the ongoing situation. Over the weekend, members travelled to Eabametoong to deliver wood, supplies and traditional food to community members.
Requests for further information on the situation have been sent to SLFNHA and ISC, which haven’t been returned as of writing.