Statement by Chief Wesley

Kashechewan – We are deeply disappointed and frustrated by the cancellation of the ISC Minister’s scheduled visit to Kashechewan First Nation. The reason given — “due to logistical issues with booking transportation to Kashechewan” — is unacceptable.
Kashechewan is dealing with ongoing infrastructure failures and a public health crisis, including an outbreak of Cryptosporidium with over 84 confirmed cases and one tragic death due to complications. This is not a minor inconvenience — this is a matter of health, safety, and human dignity.

For the federal government to cancel a critical meeting over transportation logistics sends a troubling message. It reinforces the very issue we have been raising for years: chronic infrastructure neglect and lack of urgency when it comes to First Nations communities. If transportation access is difficult, that itself reflects the systemic failures that need immediate attention — not an excuse to avoid engagement.

Kashechewan First Nation deserves serious leadership, meaningful action, and immediate solutions — not cancellations and delays. Our people are resilient, but resilience should not be mistaken for acceptance of ongoing neglect.

We call on the Government of Canada and ISC to demonstrate real commitment, prioritize this crisis, and reschedule this visit without further delay.

Our community cannot continue to be treated as a logistical challenge rather than a national responsibility.

RELOCATE MY COMMUNITY!!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

Chief Hosea Wesley