July 18, 2023
STATEMENT ABOUT TRAGIC WORKPLACE INCIDENT
On behalf of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief and Council and our administration, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of our NCN Citizen who lost his life yesterday in a tragic workplace incident. Our thoughts are also with his crew member who remains in hospital recovering from his injuries and his family as well as all of the first responders who attended the site of this tragedy.
These types of situations are very difficult for everyone involved particularly in a small community like ours given our close kinship relationships. We truly appreciate the concerns and thoughts that have been expressed for our community. Our immediate focus has been on providing the necessary resources for our workers and their families and taking the various necessary steps required in relation to this incident. No-one ever wants to have to let families or co-workers know that a colleague has died or been injured at work. We ask for your continued support for all involved as we work our way through this tragedy.
In our case, the situation is compounded by the type of work involved – clearing debris from our waterways to allow for safer navigation. As a community, we will continue to advocate to Manitoba Hydro and the Province about the importance of enhanced debris and waterways management programs to help ensure the safety of our citizens who have used these waterways from time immemorial.
Further information will be released as it becomes available and we are able to do so.
Ekosani
