Mushkegowuk communities at serious risk from flooding

Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nations have declared states of emergency and are currently in the process of evacuating community members due to the rising threat from flooding.

Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nations, located along the lower parts of the Albany River, have dykes but the rising waters are reaching levels that are threatening to breach those protective barriers that are as tall as many of the homes.

An overflow of ice and water would cause untold damage to homes within those communities.

Kashechewan Chief Hosea Wesley expressed frustration, noting that community members are forced to face this trauma each spring despite the fact a solution has been on the table for years.

The Canadian government has repeatedly promised to move the community to a new location upstream on higher ground where it would be safe from flooding.

“It is unacceptable that the lives of our people continue to be put at risk every spring,” Chief Wesley said. “We have enough studies, we have enough promises, now is the time for action.”

Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Leo Friday is calling on the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford to come to these northern communities where they can see firsthand the need for immediate solutions.

“We need a strategy that will ensure the safety of all these communities and protect them from the threats of floods, we need the government of Canada to consider relocating these communities to higher ground” the Grand Chief said.