On January 4, 2024 the Kashechewan First Nation’s chief and council declared a state of emergency. They made this courageous move because of an overwhelming infrastructure emergency that was endangering public health and safety. The First Nations community on the western shore of James Bay just suffered a sewage tsunami. This disaster contaminated their fresh water systems and forced them to close the only clinic. All residents who were in the evacuation order have medically evacuated Kashechewan. As we speak, 858 people are sheltering in two emergency hotels in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The Ontario government worked alongside federal officials and other partners to help plan the evacuation’s logistics. The urgency of the situation escalated as sewage seeped into homes and disrupted essential services.
“We had issues with the sewage infrastructure and the sewage packed into the water treatment, which kind of entered the water filtration process and we had to shut off the water supply in the community,” – Tyson Wesley, a local official.
As the evacuation began over the weekend, Niagara Falls rushed to accommodate the newly-displaced residents. Fire Chief Jo Zambito confirmed that the city stands ready to accommodate more evacuees, should additional needs arise in the coming days.
Zambito, underscoring that Niagara Falls has been a strong successful host community support for evacuees in recent years. He emphasized the importance of grassroots support during this time of crisis.
“They’re doing well. They’re well under the circumstances,” – Jo Zambito.
On top of supplying emergency shelter, the city of Fort Myers is making sure that food and medical supplies are delivered to those trapped by the storm. Local Indigenous organizations, including the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre and Niagara Regional Native Centre, are mobilizing to support evacuees. They passionately advocate for each person, helping them move through their journey with purpose.
Zambito reflected on how evacuees are struggling to adjust to a new and foreign space.
“They’ve had to evacuate their homes and they are in a different community than they’re used to back home. They’re in a community that has highrises and they’re in a tourist area, lots of vehicular traffic, something that they’re not used to.”
Niagara Falls’ fire department has worked closely with Indigenous Student groups. Collectively, they shape their work to meet unique needs while providing culturally responsive support for those affected by the ongoing crisis.
As the situation develops, officials remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that all evacuees receive necessary assistance while they adapt to their temporary surroundings.
