Thunder Bay – Indigenous News – In response to a State of Emergency declared on April 13, Neskantaga First Nation (NFN) has begun the temporary evacuation of 131 vulnerable community members and their indoor pets to Thunder Bay. The move comes as the community grapples with the closure of its only nursing station following severe flooding and potential contamination.
The evacuation began today, following support from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), which recognized the urgent need to protect at-risk individuals.
State of Emergency Prompts Urgent Response
“Our vulnerable people require full and immediate access to health services that, unfortunately, are not available in Neskantaga at the moment,” said Chief Gary Quisses. “We are not willing to put any high-risk people in a compromising position due to the nursing station being closed.”
The nursing station, a critical piece of infrastructure in the remote First Nation community, has been shut down due to flood-related damage, with concerns about fuel contamination and air quality. Until full remediation can be completed and the building deemed safe, the facility remains unusable.
Nursing Station Closure Leaves Community Without Vital Care
With medical services compromised, the decision to evacuate vulnerable members is aimed at ensuring continuity of care in a location where full health services are available — Thunder Bay. The community is prioritizing the safety and well-being of elders, chronically ill members, and individuals with mobility or medical challenges.
Efforts are also underway to assess the extent of the damage and begin remediation. Only after the site is cleaned and cleared of contaminants will nursing staff and the rest of the community be able to safely return.
Temporary Solutions and Long-Term Safety Underway
Community leadership, alongside ISC and federal officials, is now actively seeking a temporary location within Neskantaga to set up an interim nursing station. Options are limited, and any available space will likely result in disruptions to other community programs and services. However, Chief Quisses noted that returning evacuees will only happen once a functional and safe health care environment is in place.
Cooperation Needed from All Partners, Chief Says
While acknowledging federal support, Chief Quisses also pointed to challenges in working with other logistical partners — including the City of Thunder Bay.
“We acknowledge the support of Indigenous Services Canada in responding to the seriousness of this crisis and we hope that some other logistical challenges we are experiencing with other partners, like the City of Thunder Bay, will be resolved,” he said.
The evacuation underscores ongoing infrastructure gaps in remote First Nations communities and highlights the fragile state of health care access in the Far North.
Neskantaga has dealt with numerous crises in recent years, including Canada’s longest-standing boil water advisory, and continues to call for systemic changes to ensure the health and safety of its members.
