Neskantaga evacuees return home

THUNDER BAY – About 200 residents of Neskantaga First Nation living in Thunder Bay after the leadership declared a state of emergency are heading back home.

After nearly two months evacuated to a Thunder Bay hotel due to problems with their water supply, the long-awaited return is now underway.

Chief Chris Moonias has already arrived in his home community and therefore was not available for an interview on Thursday. 

However, Moonias posted an update on his Twitter account, saying his 200-plus members have experienced great difficulty throughout this public health emergency, but also kindness and generosity from others across Canada and in Thunder Bay.

He also thanked federal minister Marc Miller for his support, after a rocky start to their negotiations.

Moonias says the 14-day test run of their water treatment plant has resulted in giving it the all clear. 

A boil-water order will remain in effect until the work on the plant is completed.