The Attawapiskat First Nation declared a state of emergency three weeks ago due to an extreme housing shortage. Attawapiskat is home to the Mushkego or Omushkego James Bay Cree.
“In the absence of federal and provincial (Ontario) government leadership, the Canadian Red Cross is mobilizing to help meet immediate needs of the children and their families in the community of Attawapiskat” stated Morel Caissie, CASW President. “The living conditions in Attawapiskat are a collective failure of Canada to meet the most basic needs of its citizens.”
The Red Cross is working closely with the community and public authorities to identify and address urgent, short-term needs. At the request of the community the Red Cross will also take on a donation management role to support these needs as identified. According to the Red Cross some of the needs currently identified include generators, heaters, insulated sleeping mats, blankets and winter clothing.
“As another winter closes in, the people of Attawapiskat will require ongoing emergency services and CASW encourages social workers to consider donating to the Red Cross in support of the community” stated Caissie.
Financial donations may be made online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or through your local Canadian Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Attawapiskat" and can also be mailed to the Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3E9.
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For more information:
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW