NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION, MANITOBA — Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) will host the new federal Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, The Honourable Patty Hajdu, on Thursday, November 18th 2021.
“We look forward to having Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu here in Nisichwayasihk Cree Nation to see our accomplishments, and to acknowledge how much more has to be done to create equity for First Nations people. We are doing what we can, our very best to create a better quality of life for our Citizens, but things like funding and infrastructure always slow us down,” says NCN Chief Marcel Moody. “Concerns about our wellbeing and safety, like appropriate housing, community infrastructure, clean water and youth well-being are key priorities. It will be good to share ideas and start planning.”
Minister Hajdu’s visit will include an opening prayer and Nehetho blessing. She will have a tour of the new water treatment plant which was finally funded in 2019 although it only has capacity to serve one section of our community. She will visit the new high school, which is near completion. A fire hall is also needed to replace one that was recently lost to fire in the community, Minister Hadju will be shown the site where the old fire hall was standing. These activities will be organized with strict COVID-19 protocol, all guests must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has had stringent restrictions throughout the pandemic. The community understands what is at stake, with an incredible vaccination rate of well over 90 per cent of its eligible population. NCN has had only a handful of Covid-19 cases on-reserve thus far, which were quickly contained and has prepared for Manitoba’s fourth wave to avoid further lockdowns. During the pandemic healthcare workers have reported higher incidences of addictions, domestic abuse and violence.
“Like all communities, ours has risen to the challenge of the pandemic, and also struggles. But by asserting our self-governance, self-determined systems and the tireless efforts of our healthcare workers, we have achieved significant success in keeping Covid-19 out of our community. However, the pandemic further highlighted how inadequate and under resourced our housing, recreational and other facilities are. Our youth faced the most difficulties, not having any resources and facilities,” says Chief Moody.
“We plan to discuss funding for our upcoming health centre, youth centre and the dire need to improve access to essential health services and programs for all Indigenous people.”
Chief Moody also plans to discuss proactive measures to ensure community safety and reduction of violence in the Nation, funding for First Nation Safety Officers, our checkstop and justice system which are modelled according to our traditional ways. By working together and continuing the relationship with all levels of government, NCN is committed to further enhance NCN’s Self-government and Self-determination.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is located at Nelson House, Manitoba, about 800 kilometres north of Winnipeg and 80 kilometres west of Thompson. It is an accomplished and progressive First Nation, having secured its own Aski Pumenikewin (Land Code) and Othasowewin (Constitution). NCN has close to 5,300 members living in Nelson House, South Indian Lake, Thompson, Brandon and Winnipeg.
For more information, contact:
Chief Marcel Moody
Phone: 204-484-2332
or
