Queen’s representatives visit Eabametoong

For the first time in the community’s rich 105-year history as a settlement, representatives of the Queen of England visited Eabametoong First Nation.
Sharon Johnston – wife of Gov. Gen. David Johnston – and Ruth Ann Onley – wife of Lt.-Gov. David Onley – spent several hours touring the community with Chief Lewis Nate and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy.
National and regional media also toured the community, Nov. 4.
“We’ve never had anyone of your stature visit our community,” said Andy Yesno, an advisor to chief and council in Eabametoong. “We are grateful you came to visit us at such a difficult time for our community.”
The community remains under a state of emergency declared Oct. 22 following a rash of violence, including numerous cases of arson and two murders related to prescription drug abuse, Nate said.
The community’s support system – counsellors and social workers – also remain taxed as the community has dealt with 10 additional deaths, all of natural causes.
A community member was also a murder victim in Thunder Bay in September.
“Our community is still grieving … and having to deal with all of this,” Yesno said. “We are not in denial about our situation.”
Nate said the visit allowed community members – those who were willing – to share their personal stories about how the violence has affected them.
“This is an opportunity for our people to tell their story and be heard,” he said. “The visit is a strong indication that our community is in desperate need of assistance.”
For their part, the women were happy to take up the invitation to see the community.
“We saw your story in the local newspaper,” Onley said. “We want you to know we have our eyes and hearts on you in the North. We care about your situation and we care about you.”
Beardy was proud of the community’s decision to allow the media visit.
“It is important,” he said. “All of us in Canada need to know there are problems that must be addressed. If unaddressed, they will get worse. This community is taking ownership and admitting it has a challenge.”
When community members found out about the visit, it was the talk of the community, said Coun. Charlie O’Keese.
“My grandson came to visit me last night. He told me ‘It’s going to be a special day tomorrow’,” O’Keese said, bringing tears to the dignitaries’ eyes.