https://temagamifirstnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/InfoPackage_2020-03-20.pdf

Temagami First Nation Declares Level 3 State of Emergency

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 19, 2020

TEMAGAMI FIRST NATION DECLARES A STATE OF EMERGENCY

The Temagami First Nation (TFN) hereby declares a Level 3 State of Emergency for the community of Bear Island Reserve due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic with knowledge that at present, there are no known cases within the community. 

In accordance with the Temagami First Nation Emergency Response Plan, TFN Chief and Council will coordinate efforts and call upon external resources, as necessary, to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

In response to the declared state of emergency, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated the Minowaabandan-gamiing Maawanjihidiwining, the Lakeview Gathering Place. Contact information is noted above.

The Coronavirus has yet to be adequately contained. National, Provincial and local health officials have encouraged measures including COVID-19 mitigation, response plans, and declaration of public health emergencies.

The Temagami First Nation Council states, “It is necessary for Chief & Council to declare a State of Emergency Level 3 in the community of Bear Island in response to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic as this initiates the provisions in the Communicable Disease and Management Plan and the implementation of the First Nation Control Group (FNCG) to implement provisions in the Emergency Plan.  This will allow TFN staff the time they need to prepare and carry out TFN essential services required during this time of emergency for the health & wellbeing of our community.  The Bear Island community have always come together and prevailed through difficult times – we encourage all to continue in strength, kindness and compassion as we all endure this time together.”  

Council further states, “With the unprecedented global COVID-19 Pandemic upon us, we want to reassure community members that Temagami First Nation’s Emergency Operations Committee is active and is reliant upon our health and emergency response professionals; everyone is working together to ensure the ongoing health and safety for all.  The situation is rapidly changing on a daily basis and we encourage community members to stay informed of developments by visiting our website and to follow all precautionary steps that are being provided.”

The community is being asked to practice social distancing, we remind our people to keep communicating. Connecting in alternative ways in order to maintain physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being is essential.

Take care of yourselves and each other.
Community updates and briefings can be found at www.temagamifirstnation.ca.

CONTACT INFO:
Heidi Jobson, Communication Officer
Temagami First Nation
Tel# 705-237-8943 ext.107   communication@temagamifirstnation.ca