FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Chief and council will meet on Wednesday to determine how Fort William First Nation will react to the District of Thunder Bay re-entering Ontario’s COVID-19 framework at the Red-Control level.
Chief Peter Collins on Monday said they’ll discuss the situation and come up with a decision that’s best for the community.
At present, residential areas of the community are restricted to residents and band employees only, though businesses on Fort William First Nation are open to the general public.
“It’s something council will discuss on Wednesday night, what restrictions we’ll lift, if we lift any. It’s still scary out there. Look what’s happening in the city. The numbers haven’t been declining. They’re actually escalating,” Collins said.
“Hopefully we can survive that portion of it. It’s a challenge and it’s still going to be a challenge.”
Collins said he thinks they’ll be able to reopen the twin pads at Fort William First Nation Arena at the very least.
“There’s a good chance that we’ll open up the rink again. That’s for sure to happen. It’s limited numbers in that facility even, but we’ll see what happens. It’s a decision of council.”
Under Red-Control teams cannot practice, except for training purposes, scrimmages, games and contact are not permitted and activities that may result in individuals coming within two metres of each other are not allowed. There are exemptions for high-performance athletes.
Collins said it’s been a trying couple of months for residents of the community, who have endured yet another lock-down.
“Our folks want to get out of their homes and go into the city and do some stuff too, but at the same time you’ve got to be safe.”
