Pimicikamâk Cree Nation declares State of Emergency
Posted September 11, 2023 1:04 pm.
The Pimicikamâk Cree Nation (Cross Lake) has declared a State of Emergency.
Chief David Monias of Pimicikamâk Cree Nation says the State of Emergency is being called due to “systemic healthcare inequities and violations of treaty rights.”
“For over two decades, Canada has failed Cross Lake and many other First Nations in delivering healthcare services,” said Chief Monias.
“The lack of access to adequate health care services severely impacts our overall health and well-being. Indigenous Services Canada’s (ISC) inaction in advocating with the Province of Manitoba to establish a renal program in the new healthcare complex is a serious concern. This leaves community members to travel out of the community or relocate to the city to access dialysis treatment.”
Chief Monias is hoping that by calling the State of Emergency, it will get attention and action from all levels of government.
In addition, the Pimicikamâk Cree Nation is also reaching out to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and Minister Gordon from the Province of Manitoba for an urgent meeting to try and resolve the ongoing issues.
“This collaboration is essential. We need to focus on planning, funding, and implementing actions that will support the growth of First Nations healthcare professionals in this region,” said Pimicikamâk Councillor Brenda Frogg. “A quarter of our population is either diabetic or pre-diabetic. Increase in Chronic Kidney Disease and lack of commitment from The Province of Manitoba to establish a renal program and dialysis in the new health complex is an urgent requirement for Cross Lake.
According to the AMC, the federal government recently invested $57.5 million for a healthcare complex, and to address a nursing shortage in Cross Lake.
