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Canadian Armed Forces leave Neskantaga First Nation

Canadian Rangers were deployed to the community to assist with evacuation and logistical efforts during the ongoing water crisis.
Neskantaga
The 24 Members of Neskantaga First Nations who remained in the community after the chief and council evacuated the community due to an oily sheen discovered on the water plants reservoir tanks made signs all around town voicing their frustrations with living in Canada's longest standing boil water advisory. David Jackson/The Globe and Mail (LJI initiative)

NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION, Ont. - Members of the Canadian Armed Forces that were deployed to Neskantaga First Nation to assist during the ongoing water crisis are preparing to leave.

The community approximately 400 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, evacuated most of its members in October after an unknown sheen was found on the surface of the water in its reservoir system.

The Canadian Armed Forces received a request for federal assistance on Oct. 27, through Public Safety Canada and Canadian Rangers were deployed to the community.

While in the community, members of the Canadian Armed Forces provided assistance by integrating into the local Emergency Operations Centre command post and providing logistical and general support including, resupply, as well as evacuation and humanitarian assistance.

Community members of Neskantaga were permitted to return home in mid-December and with a spokesperson with the Canadian Armed Forces said the community has indicated it no longer requires support.

The Canadian Rangers who were in Neskantaga will now be redeployed to their respective units.

Neskantaga has been under a boil water advisory for more than 25 years, one of the longest advisories in Canada.




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