Solidarity walk set for Niagara Falls in support of Kashechewan First Nation

Kashechewan First Nation Chief Hosea Wesley protests at an intersection on Stanley Avenue in Niagara Falls on June 29.

The Solidarity Walk for Kashechewan First Nation will take place July 3 in Niagara Falls from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM beginning at 4835 Victoria Avenue and ending at Niagara Falls City Hall.

It’s in response to what the chiefs call insulting comments made about Kashechewan First Nation evacuees in the Niagara Falls area, the chiefs said in a news release July 2.

“Many First Nations in the north are forced to evacuate their homes and communities every year due to wildfires, floods and failing infrastructure. When this happens, families are placed under extreme stress and duress, and they deserve to be welcomed with dignity, not discriminatory and stereotypical remarks,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.

“I encourage everyone in the region to join, listen, and stand with these families as they call for respect and understanding.”

The First Nation was under a state of emergency in January due to the failure of its water infrastructure and its nursing station flooded with raw sewage.

Try to imagine not going home for six months for something that is completely out of your control, only to be made to feel unwelcome in an unfamiliar area while you wait to return home,” said Anishinabek Nation Chief Linda Debassige.

“This whole situation could have been avoided if Canada upheld their fiduciary responsibility and proper investments were made.”