INAC support for flood preparedness in Ontario First Nation Communities

INAC is working with the Province of Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Public Safety Canada, Health Canada, Mushkegowuk Tribal Council, and other relevant agencies to ensure First Nations are prepared for potential flooding this spring. Specifically, the Mushkegowuk Emergency Response Co-ordinator works with First Nations vulnerable to flooding to determine their needs and update emergency plans.The following table provides information on flood preparedness support in Ontario First Nations as of April 18, 2011:

Community
Funding approved
Preparedness Measures Funded

Attawapiskat First Nation
$50,000
For pre-positioning of fuel, hiring a Life Safety Officer to work with the community during the spring flood season, and purchasing equipment (i.e., walkie talkies).

Fort Albany First Nation
$50,000
For pre-positioning of fuel, hiring a Life Safety Officer to work with the community during the spring flood season, and purchasing equipment (i.e., walkie talkies).

Moose Cree First Nation
$50,000
For pre-positioning of fuel, hiring a Life Safety Officer to work with the community during the spring flood season, and purchasing equipment (i.e., walkie talkies).

Weenusk First Nation
$50,000
For pre-positioning of fuel, hiring a Life Safety Officer to work with community during the spring flood season, and purchasing equipment (i.e., walkie talkies).

Mushkegowuk Tribal Council
$135,000
To hire a full-time Emergency Response Co-ordinator to work with the James Bay Coast First Nation communities to determine their needs and update their community emergency plans.
To provide on-site emergency preparedness training and hold an annual pre-flood meeting for the James Bay Coast First Nation communities.

Kashechewan First Nation
$692,000
For dyke upgrades, including $330,000 for a geo-technical investigation of a 50 metre section of the dyke that sloughed during construction.
For the implementation of the 2011 flood forecast computer modelling.
For pre-positioning of fuel, hiring a Life Safety Officer to work with the community during the spring flood season, and purchasing equipment (i.e., walkie talkies).

TOTAL $1,207,000