NAN Offers Prayers and Condolences to Family of Paramedic Lost in Kashechewan First Nation

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Acting Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum, on behalf of the Executive Council, sends prayers and condolences following the tragic loss of paramedic Arjanan Sivasathiyarajah on the Kishtahjehwon Siipi earlier this week:

“On behalf of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, I send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Arjanan Sivasathiyarajah, his fellow paramedics, the brave search and rescue teams and the community of Kashechewan First Nation.

We honour Arjanan’s commitment to providing health care for those in the North, and we are grateful for his service to the people of Kashechewan. He made a lasting positive impression during his short time working with Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and will be remembered fondly.

Miigwetch Chief Gaius Wesley and Council, and all those who answered the call for assistance during this challenging search and rescue operations on the Albany River.

This tragedy highlights the need for dedicated emergency management in our communities. We renew our call to the Governments of Ontario and Canada to implement our First Nation-specific emergency management concept that supports and empowers First Nations communities.

Please join us in sending love and prayers to those affected by this terrible loss.”

NAN thanks everyone who participated and supported in the search including Leadership and volunteers from across NAN territory.

Link to NAN’s Final Report Emergency Management for First Nations in Ontario here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/3770b10c-3cdd-4284-9950-bd9a59272301

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca