Proper funding of Indigenous infrastructure is a path to healing, justice and equity
In a powerful Op-Ed for the Toronto Star, Chief Donna Big Canoe of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation discusses the urgent need for proper funding of Indigenous infrastructure.
Her words shed light on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities across Turtle Island and the pressing issues of health, safety, and access to essential resources.
Chief Big Canoe highlights the community’s reliance on an aging, diesel-fueled ferry and the struggles they face when the lake freezes during harsh winters. The consequences are far-reaching, from disrupted family life to tragic loss of lives due to inadequate transportation and emergency services.
The Trent Severn Waterway's impact on the community's connection to the mainland is also addressed, emphasizing the need, not just for acknowledgment, but action to rectify historical injustices.
Chief Big Canoe calls for genuine reconciliation, emphasizing that it goes beyond words and must include tangible actions. Bridging the Indigenous infrastructure gap is essential to providing First Nations communities with equal access and opportunities for safety and wellbeing.
Read the full Op-Ed in the Toronto Star here.
Recent Posts
Recap: GIFN Fixed Link Project January 24, 2024, Technical Town Hall
Key Insights and Clarifications from the Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Technical Town Hall
A Visual Guide to the Assessment Processes for the Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
Understanding the Impact Assessment Process for the Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
GIFL Project: Terrestrial Existing Conditions Report
The ecological studies aim to understand and minimize impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the project area, involving extensive surveys of wildlife, vegetation, and habitats, and integrating these findings into the project's design and mitigation strategies.