Sandy Lake First Nation mourns loss of 11-year-old to house fire, calls for more resources
Delores Kakegamic, the Chief of Sandy Lake First Nation, is speaking out about the devastating loss of children to house fires in her community. The most recent tragedy occurred when an 11-year-old child perished in a house fire on Thursday afternoon. Kakegamic expressed her frustration over the lack of resources available to the community’s firefighters, stating that if they had proper gear, they may have been able to rescue the child.
The house that caught fire belonged to the community’s fire marshal, adding an additional layer of tragedy to the situation. Despite the heroic efforts of the firefighters, who were only able to enter the smoke-filled house for a few seconds at a time, the child could not be saved. Fortunately, the rest of the occupants were able to escape, although many suffered from smoke inhalation and required medical treatment.
Sandy Lake First Nation, located in Treaty 5, is a close-knit community of approximately 3,500 people. The community is still reeling from previous house fires that claimed the lives of other children in recent months. Kakegamic highlighted the dire need for proper firefighting equipment, as the First Nation only has one functional fire truck and inadequate protective gear for its firefighters.
The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is currently investigating the cause of the fire, which was reported in the early evening. The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for fire prevention and safety measures in Indigenous communities, where the risk of fire-related deaths is significantly higher than in other parts of the country.
Arnold Lazare, the interim CEO of the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, emphasized the importance of fire prevention education and adequate resources for firefighting services in Indigenous communities. He stressed the need for smoke detectors, proper housing conditions, and comprehensive fire safety plans to reduce the risk of future tragedies.
As the community mourns the loss of another child to a preventable house fire, Chief Kakegamic is calling for increased federal funding and mental health support for firefighters. With a new federal government in power and the first Indigenous MP serving as Minister of Indigenous Services, there is hope for improved allocation of resources to meet the unique needs of First Nations communities.
In the face of such heartbreaking losses, it is essential to prioritize fire safety and prevention measures to protect the lives of Indigenous children and families. The entire community is united in grief and determination to prevent further tragedies from occurring.
