FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Things are quieter than usual in Fort William First Nation, with many facilities closed and residents urged to practice social distancing. Chief Peter Collins says it’s a strange departure from the usual rhythms of day-to-day life in the community.
“So far it’s been very quiet,” he said. “Our folks are sitting patiently and trying to figure out, what do they do as members?”
“The hardest part is keeping people in the house and keeping that social distance. Our community’s always been close-knit, and keeping families apart is not an easy task.”
Community life has slowed down, with the arena, bingo halls, and the band office itself closed to the public.
But behind the scenes, Collins says, staff are working furiously to respond to the latest information and prepare for the possible arrival of the virus.
While the office is closed, staff remain available through phone and email.
“I work from my telephone and my computer day-in and day-out, right now,” Collins said.
The chief said he and other band staff hold planning meetings daily, while he has spoken in recent days with MP Marcus Powlowski, leadership of Dilico Anishnabek Family Care, and joined a conference call with Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller.
For Collins, one of the top priorities is to ensure the First Nation has access to enough equipment – things like personal protective equipment and ventilators – to support vulnerable community members. He’s particularly concerned about those with respiratory problems.
“A lot of our folks suffer with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, bronchial asthma,” he said. “So if they pick up the virus, it’s going to be hard on their lungs.”
While Collins said Miller reiterated the federal government’s commitment of over $300 million for COVID-19 response in First Nations across Canada, the chief said uncertainty remains over exactly how or when that money will flow.
In the meantime, the community is taking its own steps to prepare. The band office has called for volunteers for a “COVID-19 response team,” to assist in any ways necessary. It has also asked members who may be vulnerable due to respiratory issues, age, and other factors to self-identify to the health department to help them prepare response plans.
Collins looked to reassure community members in a video update earlier this week.
“I will do everything in my power to make sure we have the adequate resources and all the safety measures we need to protect our community,” he said.
