Neskantaga First Nation’s only health-care space is flooded, prompting calls for quick help from Ottawa
The leader of Neskantaga First Nation is urgently requesting assistance from the federal government in establishing a mobile health centre in their remote community. This plea comes in response to flooding that has forced the closure of the community’s nursing station. Chief Gary Quisses and the council of Neskantaga declared a state of emergency after health-care workers discovered water seeping from the walls and a strong odor of fuel within the facility.
Neskantaga First Nation, located approximately 450 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario, has been under Canada’s longest boil-water advisory for the past 30 years. The community, home to fewer than 400 residents, relies heavily on the nursing station for essential medical services. Chief Quisses emphasized the critical importance of having a proper medical facility within the community, especially given the ongoing health challenges faced by its members.
The current makeshift solution involves providing health-care assessments in a cramped 8-by-10-foot room, according to Sharon Sakanee, Neskantaga’s health director. This limited space restricts access to necessary equipment such as X-ray machines and oxygen tanks, posing challenges in delivering comprehensive care to patients. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding patient confidentiality in such cramped conditions.
The situation in Neskantaga is further compounded by the prevalence of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, among community members. Chief Quisses warned that failure to promptly address the nursing station crisis could necessitate evacuations for vulnerable individuals. Former chief Wayne Moonias echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for a mobile health-care center to prevent potentially life-threatening scenarios.
The community’s distrust in the government’s commitment to Neskantaga stems from the prolonged boil-water advisory, which has left residents disillusioned with the authorities. Roy Moonias expressed skepticism about the government’s priorities, stating that immediate action would likely be taken in an urban setting facing similar challenges. Chief Quisses shared these sentiments, highlighting the pressing need for a swift response to the nursing station crisis.
As Neskantaga grapples with the impact of flooding and a compromised healthcare system, the community remains steadfast in its call for urgent intervention. The provision of a mobile health centre is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the healthcare needs of residents and ensuring their well-being. It is imperative that the federal government acts swiftly to alleviate the health crisis in Neskantaga and demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in Canada.
