Urgent call for coordinated government response as over 150 residents are evacuated to Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY – INDIGENOUS NEWS: The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council is voicing strong support for Neskantaga First Nation’s leadership as the remote community grapples with a declared State of Emergency. NAN is urging swift and decisive action from all levels of government to address what it calls an “alarming” health crisis.
Neskantaga, located in Northwestern Ontario, declared a State of Emergency on April 13, 2025, following a major disruption in health services due to flooding that rendered the community’s only nursing station inoperable. As a result, over 150 community members—many of them vulnerable—have been evacuated to Thunder Bay.
“Chief Gary Quisses and his Council have been clear about what their community needs, and they deserve action, not delays,” stated NAN in a public release. “We are calling for an immediate, coordinated emergency response to both support those who remain in the community and care for those who have been evacuated.”
While federal and provincial representatives have reportedly been in contact with community leadership, NAN emphasizes that this situation is not business as usual. The council is calling on all agencies to prioritize support efforts and commit to both short- and long-term health solutions.
Local Supports Mobilized in Thunder Bay
With evacuees now in Thunder Bay, NAN and Matawa First Nations Management are working together to ensure essential services, temporary housing, and health care are provided. The outpouring of community support and collaboration among Indigenous organizations has been key in managing the immediate needs.
“Help is needed now—not in days or weeks,” NAN stressed. “We are committed to standing with Neskantaga through every step of this crisis.”
Neskantaga Outlines Four Urgent Priorities
On April 21, Neskantaga leadership outlined four priority areas requiring immediate attention to stabilize the situation and protect the health of remaining community members. These include:
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Rapid deployment of health professionals and support personnel
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Safe evacuation of all vulnerable individuals, particularly children
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Restoration and repair of critical health infrastructure
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A long-term plan to address systemic health service gaps
As the crisis continues, NetNewsLedger will provide ongoing updates on the response efforts and how Thunder Bay residents can offer support.
