“Systemic discrimination and neglect,” Mamakwa responds to another tragic loss of a child to a house fire in a northern First Nation

SIOUX LOOKOUT – Deputy Leader and Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa has released a statement in response to the news of a house fire in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) that took the life of the three-year-old grandson of Chief Donny Morris and seriously injured two adults.

“I want to start by sending my condolences to Chief Morris and the family, and to everyone affected by the tragic loss of this young boy. I also wish a quick recovery to those who were injured in the house fire.”

In a statement released yesterday, the Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) requested that the Auditor General of Canada investigate the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s ability to review discrimination complaints as mandated. MPP Mamakwa echoes their appeal:

“I fully support IFNA’s call, and in the meantime, urge the federal government to take immediate steps to address the chronic underfunding of on-reserve fire safety and in doing so, save lives”, MPP Mamakwa said. He added, “Jurisdiction is not an excuse when it comes to the lives of First Nations people, not least our children. The Government of Ontario has a role to play in supporting safety in First Nations, and it’s time for them to step up.”

A 2021 report from the office of the Chief Coroner in Ontario revealed that First Nations children under 10 years old are 86 times more likely to die in a fire than non-First Nations children. Across Canada, First Nations people living on reserve are 10 times more likely to die in a fire than the rate of the general population.

Mamakwa continued: “The conditions that have led to the high rate of fire-related deaths in First Nations in Ontario are not new, and these losses are preventable. The death of this 3-year-old child, like many of the deaths that came before, is a result of systemic discrimination and neglect from Canada and Ontario. It should not have to come to this level of tragedy for the Governments to take action. But at this point, if this event does not trigger urgent action, I don’t know what will.”

Additional Incidents: The following is a non-exhaustive list of reported fires affecting First Nation communities across Northwestern Ontario, from 2012 to 2024.

1. “Mishkeegogamang fire razes children's centre” (Fire in Mishkeegogamang  First Nation, January  2012). 
2. “Deadly Pikangikum fire prompts call for inquiry from Ontario First Nations firefighters" (Fire in Pikangikum First Nation, March  2016).
3. “Fire destroys community hall in northern Ontario First Nation” (Fire in Eabametoong First Nation, April 2016).
4. “First Nation community mourning mother, four kids killed in house fire” (Fire in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, May  2019). 
5. “Bearskin Lake fire destroys police station (3 photos)” (Fire in Bearskin Lake, March  2020).
6. “House fire in Muskrat Dam First Nation sends 2 to hospital” (Fire in Muskrat Dam, June  2020).
7. “10-year-old girl killed in fire in remote Cree northern Ontario community with no fire services” (Fire in Peawanuck, January 2023)
8. “3 people confirmed dead in Pikangikum First Nation house fire” (Fire in Pikangikum First Nation, February 2023).
9. “Its only school ripped away by arson, Eabametoong First Nation focuses on healing and keeping kids in class” (Fire in Eabametoong First Nation, January 2024).
10. “He died trying to save a woman in a home in Peawanuck, Ont., where firefighting resources are limited” (Fire in Peawanuck First Nation, February 2024).
11. “Cat Lake First Nation declares state of emergency after nursing station destroyed in fire” (Fire in Cat Lake First Nation, March 2024).
12. “Band office, home destroyed in North Spirit Lake in latest First Nations fires in northwestern Ontario” (Fire in North Spirit Lake First Nation, April 2024).
13. “Early morning fire destroys apartment in northern First Nation” (Fire in Fort Severn First Nation, August 2024).