Latest news with #PaddyPeters
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Aid groups rally to help First Nations facing mass food spoilage after northwestern Ontario outages
Aid organizations are ramping up efforts to replenish supplies after power outages across half a dozen First Nations in northwestern Ontario led to mass food spoilage. Last weekend, hydro poles along the Wataynikaneyap Power line were damaged by wildfires, leading to a shutdown of vital utilities across Pikangikum, North Spirit Lake, Keewaywin, Deer Lake, Sandy Lake and Poplar Hill First Nations. Only Sandy Lake and Deer Lake had access to backup diesel fuel. After four days of outages, the First Nations are still recuperating from the substantial food spoilage, overheating in homes, and shortages of food, fuel and other essential supplies. Wataynikaneyap Power said restoration was completed as of 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Pikangikum First Nation Chief Paddy Peters related to CBC News the magnitude of the outages' impact on the remote Ojibway community. "Beneath the smoke and silence was a quieter emergency," Peters said. "As we all know, food is already expensive — painfully so. "But the true cost becomes unimaginable when you have no power, no water, no way to preserve or prepare food." Surrounding wildfires still pose a threat to several communities. Pikangikum has evacuated its most vulnerable members to Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout due to Red Lake 62, a blaze just seven kilometres away. Meanwhile, North Spirit Lake sent at-risk members to Toronto because of Red Lake 40, which is more than 8,700 hectares large and remains not under control. 'For many, it was the only food they had' Watching his community members bring their spoiled food to the dump was a painful experience, Peters said. "For four days, families watched their fridges and freezers thawing the moose meat. The fish, the berries — all gone," he said. "Food gathered through hunting and fishing, passed down through generations, lost. "For many, it was the only food they had." LISTEN | Pikangikum receives support from Thunder Bay's RFDA Volker Kromm is executive director of Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), which provides food to 37 partner organizations and 47 First Nations across northwestern Ontario. After his organization received a phone call from a colleague, Kromm said, it quickly readied its emergency response. "[What] we're always willing to do is respond in the case of an emergency," Kromm told CBC News. "Things like water, non-perishable foods and dry goods were needed … they weren't sure if people were coming out or people were staying." With such a dynamic situation, Kromm's organization persisted in ensuring emergency supplies were at the ready. "The situation was really rather fluid [but] we made a commitment that we would help. We went out and purchased water and things," he said. Through collaboration with partners, the RFDA was able to use a passenger plane to transport non-perishable items to Pikangikum. Peters said his community has received one shipment of food from the RFDA so far. Increase in wildfire-related emergencies GlobalMedic provides disaster relief internationally, but in recent years, the organization has had to respond to more emergencies across Canada related to wildfires — including in northwestern Ontario. The founder of GlobalMedic, Rahul Singh, said that with the increase in emergencies across First Nations, secondary issues like food insecurity have become pervasive. "It's at multiple sites and it's multiple areas," Singh said. "There's a lot of resources that have been put in. People have needs and we're trying to meet those needs." But delivering food to fly-in communities in crisis poses a transportation challenge. With the lack of roads, supplies have to be distributed in smaller batches, he explained. "There's no road," Singh said. "Everything has to get dropped down into smaller sizes onto small aircraft." As a result of these emergency situations, Peters said, food insecurity is becoming a greater challenge in his community. "It's very extreme what is happening here," he said. "I've never seen this before in my whole lifetime."
CBC
19-07-2025
- General
- CBC
Aid groups rally to help First Nations facing mass food spoilage after northwestern Ontario outages
Aid organizations are ramping up efforts to replenish supplies after power outages across half a dozen First Nations in northwestern Ontario led to mass food spoilage. Last weekend, hydro poles along the Wataynikaneyap Power line were damaged by wildfires, leading to a shutdown of vital utilities across Pikangikum, North Spirit Lake, Keewaywin, Deer Lake, Sandy Lake and Poplar Hill First Nations. Only Sandy Lake and Deer Lake had access to backup diesel fuel. After four days of outages, the First Nations are still recuperating from the substantial food spoilage, overheating in homes, and shortages of food, fuel and other essential supplies. Wataynikaneyap Power said restoration was completed as of 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Pikangikum First Nation Chief Paddy Peters related to CBC News the magnitude of the outages' impact on the remote Ojibway community. "Beneath the smoke and silence was a quieter emergency," Peters said. "As we all know, food is already expensive — painfully so. "But the true cost becomes unimaginable when you have no power, no water, no way to preserve or prepare food." Surrounding wildfires still pose a threat to several communities. Pikangikum has evacuated its most vulnerable members to Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout due to Red Lake 62, a blaze just seven kilometres away. Meanwhile, North Spirit Lake sent at-risk members to Toronto because of Red Lake 40, which is more than 8,700 hectares large and remains not under control. 'For many, it was the only food they had' Watching his community members bring their spoiled food to the dump was a painful experience, Peters said. "For four days, families watched their fridges and freezers thawing the moose meat. The fish, the berries — all gone," he said. "Food gathered through hunting and fishing, passed down through generations, lost. "For many, it was the only food they had." Volker Kromm is executive director of Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), which provides food to 37 partner organizations and 47 First Nations across northwestern Ontario. After his organization received a phone call from a colleague, Kromm said, it quickly readied its emergency response. "[What] we're always willing to do is respond in the case of an emergency," Kromm told CBC News. "Things like water, non-perishable foods and dry goods were needed … they weren't sure if people were coming out or people were staying." With such a dynamic situation, Kromm's organization persisted in ensuring emergency supplies were at the ready. "The situation was really rather fluid [but] we made a commitment that we would help. We went out and purchased water and things," he said. Through collaboration with partners, the RFDA was able to use a passenger plane to transport non-perishable items to Pikangikum. Peters said his community has received one shipment of food from the RFDA so far. Increase in wildfire-related emergencies GlobalMedic provides disaster relief internationally, but in recent years, the organization has had to respond to more emergencies across Canada related to wildfires — including in northwestern Ontario. The founder of GlobalMedic, Rahul Singh, said that with the increase in emergencies across First Nations, secondary issues like food insecurity have become pervasive. "It's at multiple sites and it's multiple areas," Singh said. "There's a lot of resources that have been put in. People have needs and we're trying to meet those needs." But delivering food to fly-in communities in crisis poses a transportation challenge. With the lack of roads, supplies have to be distributed in smaller batches, he explained. "There's no road," Singh said. "Everything has to get dropped down into smaller sizes onto small aircraft." As a result of these emergency situations, Peters said, food insecurity is becoming a greater challenge in his community.
CBC
15-07-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Power outages persist in 6 First Nations in northwestern Ontario, as supplies run low
Social Sharing On the community's fourth day without power, Pikangikum First Nation's chief says the situation is becoming dire. "There's minimal access to clean water, limited fuel supply, a limited number of generators," Chief Paddy Peters told CBC News on Tuesday afternoon. "We have to deal with the power outage plus a forest fire, and it's created an extreme situation in my community." Power outages are affecting five other First Nations in northwestern Ontario, after wildfires damaged utility poles along the Wataynikaneyap Power line on Saturday. In a statement issued late Tuesday afternoon, Wataynikaneyap Power said the goal was to restore power by end of day Tuesday, but that there were a lot of challenges, "including logistics around lodging far from the work sites, moving crews around by air, weather affecting flights, [and] risk of additional damage needing to be fixed." WATCH | Peters addresses ongoing power outage: Pikangikum's chief speaks out on Day 4 of community-wide power outage. 3 hours ago Pikangikum First Nation has been without power for four days after wildfires damaged six hydro poles in northwestern Ontario, causing outages in as many First Nations. Here's the latest from Chief Paddy Peters about what the remote Ojibway community is going through. "Worker safety and restoration efforts are top priority," it said. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) says he anticipates outages will continue for a few more days. We have to deal with the power outage plus a forest fire. — Chief Paddy Peters, Pikangikum First Nation "It's going to take a while, I think, because of the multiple sites where the grid has been compromised. That will require some time and effort to ensure that the crews are able to go in there safely to do the necessary repair work," Fiddler said. Wataynikaneyap Power says it's working alongside Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Hydro One and the Provincial Emergency Response Organization "to safely organize crews and material for pole replacements." "Crews are prioritizing poles based on criticality to restore power. Further ground crews arrived yesterday and more will be arriving today to assist," it said. Meanwhile, Peters says the affected communities are dealing with food spoilage, overheating in buildings and a shortage of essential supplies. While Deer Lake and Sandy Lake have access to diesel generators, Poplar Hill, North Spirit Lake and Keewaywin First Nations have no backup power available; Pikangikum's only source is the community's school. 'All that food supply is now gone' NAN represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5, three of which are experiencing power outages. The remaining three facing outages are under the Keewaytinook Okimakanak tribal council. The food spoilage seen in these communities speaks to the need for better long-term solutions for emergency supplies in the north, Fiddler says. "Many of the families go out in the springtime to harvest geese and other game and they stock up, they fill up their freezers, but because of what's happened with the loss of power, all that food supply is now gone," he said. Wataynikaneyap Power says its CEO has advocated for an immediate delivery of food and other supplies, "and is working with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, and [the] federal government to expedite approvals for emergency support." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the government's Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials Tuesday to discuss the country's escalating wildfire situation, particularly in Ontario and Manitoba. Carney is expected to meet with First Nation leaders on Thursday. "The government remains in heightened vigilance and stands ready to mobilize additional federal resources to protect and support Canadians, in any and all aspects," the Prime Minister's Office says. MNR in 'constant contact' with First Nations Chris Marchand, a fire information officer based in northwestern Ontario, says fire operations staff are working closely with utility technicians to repair damaged electrical infrastructure. Overnight rainfall brought some reprieve from the fires on Tuesday, "and this will help reduce fire behaviour in the short term," Marchand added. Pikangikum First Nation is continuing to relocate its most vulnerable members to Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout due to a 31,000-hectare fire just seven kilometres away, known as Red Lake 62. Emily McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the MNR, told CBC News the province is continuing to support evacuation efforts; "working closely" with Pikangikum leadership, the Independent First Nations Alliance and Indigenous Services Canada. While Peters says he's frustrated with how long it took the MNR to notify him of the nearby wildfire, McLaughlin says the ministry "is in constant contact with First Nations communities throughout [the] fire season, providing them with updates about conditions and information about fires that could be a danger to their community." "The decision to evacuate is made by First Nation community leadership. Each community sets its own criteria for the evacuation and return of community members, supported by information, and best advice from MNR," she said.
CBC
15-07-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Pikangikum's chief speaks out on Day 4 of community-wide power outage.
Pikangikum First Nation has been without power for four days after wildfires damaged six hydro poles in northwestern Ontario, causing outages in as many First Nations. Here's the latest from Chief Paddy Peters about what the remote Ojibway community is going through.
CBC
14-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Pikangikum First Nation takes federal government to court over lack of water, wastewater infrastructure
When Paddy Peters visits his wife's grave, he says he thinks about her battle with cancer and the unique challenges she faced compared to patients in southern Ontario. The chief of Pikangikum First Nation, a remote Ojibway community more than 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, has no running water in his home. "She had to endure going outside to the outhouse when she was sick," said Peters. "My wife passed away without ever seeing running water in our house." Peters was first elected into office when he was 30 years old. He turns 69 in a few weeks and said his community is dealing with the same infrastructure challenges as when he started. "It really just annoys me as a leader, why the same issues are still on the table in regards to water and wastewater services in my community," Peters said. Last week, Pikangikum declared a state of emergency over ongoing challenges with its water and wastewater infrastructure. The First Nation also announced it's taking the Government of Canada to Federal Court, seeking $2 billion in damages and $200 million in emergency relief for urgent repairs at its water treatment plant. "We need immediate action that can't wait another 30 years," Peters said. "I don't think I'll be alive in 30 years. I want to be able to see safe, clean drinking water." The case comes as First Nation leaders across Canada advocate for the First Nations Clean Water Act to be pushed through Parliament in the first 100 days of the government's new term. The legislation, introduced in December 2023, aims to protect fresh water sources, create minimum national drinking water and wastewater standards, and deliver sustainable funding for maintaining water quality in First Nations. I don't think I'll be alive in 30 years. I want to be able to see safe, clean drinking water. - Chief Paddy Peters, Pikangikum First Nation About 4,000 people live in Pikangikum. Its most recent drinking water advisory, which remains in effect, was issued in February 2024. Before this, advisories were in place between October 2000 to July 2002 and from October 2005 to September 2019. "Pikangikum has been forced to declare states of emergency in 2000, 2011 and 2015, all due to the lack of potable or running water," the community said in a news release issued Thursday. Pikangikum is being represented by Howie, Sacks and Henry LLP alongside co-counsel at Headwaters LLP and Phillips Barristers. A case conference has been scheduled for May 26, when a timetable for the case will be determined. After that, the motion will be officially accepted by the Federal Court, said Paul Miller, a partner with Howie, Sacks and Henry LLP. The statement of claim, obtained by CBC News, argues the federal government has violated Pikangikum's constitutional, Charter and treaty rights by failing to ensure adequate access to potable water, as well as sewage and fire prevention systems. "They want to be treated like citizens of Canada. That's the bottom line," said Miller. "You would never have people in southern Ontario living this way." In a emailed statement to CBC News, a spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) outlined past initiatives in Pikangikum, and said the Government of Canada "respects the choice of First Nations, including Pikangikum First Nation, to seek the Court's assistance on the important issue of safe drinking water." 'It comes down to equity' None of Pikangikum's more than 500 homes have access to running water. The community's water treatment plant only services the school, nursing station, band office and a handful of government buildings, said Peters. There's a pumphouse by the lake, and the community recently discovered only one of the three pumps is working, he explained. "It doesn't pump enough water to the water treatment plant at the reservoir inside … and it also doesn't produce enough pressure," Peters said. Meanwhile, there is only one functioning access point where people can get drinking water within the community. Otherwise, they have to fill buckets at the lake, buy bottled water at the Northern Store or fly 100 kilometres south to Red Lake to buy cases in bulk. "Given that we are not producing sufficient, clean water, community members are forced to self-regulate how much water they are using," said Carolina Budiman, senior health project manager for the Pikangikum Health Authority. This impacts everything from cooking and bathing to doing laundry. The community's nursing station has seen a number of waterborne-related illnesses, particularly eczema and other kinds of skin infections, she said. During the crisis in Walkerton, Ont., in 2000, Pikangikum also saw an outbreak, which resulted in one woman needing her arms and legs amputated, said Peters. "They pumped in money, resources to help that situation in Walkerton, but up here we had the same situation," he said. "It seems to me they didn't take notice what happened here." Since then, many community members have lost trust in Pikangikum's water treatment plant, he added. The low water pressure also impacts Pikangikum's capacity to put out fires. "We have one fire hydrant, but it only works if everything else shuts down," said Budiman. The impact on the community's mental well-being has been well-documented in studies about its high suicide rates over the years. "What we're talking about here is not only mental, physical, emotional effects of not having access to water, what we call in the outside world social determinants of health, but it really is about lifestyle and your outlook about the world around you," she said. "It comes down to equity. It comes down to why [do] urban-based, southern-based communities have access to water and we don't?" Indigenous Services Canada responds CBC News received an emailed statement on Friday from ISC spokesperson Eric Head, saying the department spent more than $700,000 to help Pikangikum conduct a water and wastewater feasibility study. The final draft report was shared with ISC in November, he said, and "outlines a path forward to address the community's long-term water and wastewater needs." "The study also identifies the need for interim upgrades to respond to more immediate health and safety concerns," said Head. Between 2015-2016 and 2024-2025, he said ISC has spent $10.1 million to support the community with: Operations and maintenance (including salaries for operators, chemicals, replacement parts, heating, fuel and electricity etc.) of the water and wastewater facilities. The purchase of two sewer trucks and one water truck. Professional services related to water and wastewater operations. "ISC remains ready to discuss next steps with Pikangikum leadership, and partners, to advance both immediate and long-term solutions that meet the needs of current and future generations," he said. 'They deserve clean drinking water' There have been many studies and reports done on Pikangikum's water and wastewater infrastructure over the years, Peters said. He held up a feasibility study he says dates back to 2020 — a manual about 12 centimetres thick. In the time it's taken to write and review these assessments, he says his community could have had a solution. His hope is that the litigation against the federal government spurs more urgent action. Peters said he made a promise to his late wife at her grave. "Her name was Penny. I told her, 'Penny, we're gonna win this fight. We're gonna win this battle, for our grandkids, for our great grandkids.
