Rick Garrick

Wapekeka, Bearskin Lake and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) recently announced plans for lock downs of the community or a shutdown of flights due to concerns over the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Wapekeka announced a complete Lock Down of the community for 24 hours from April 2 at 12 p.m. until April 3 at 12 p.m. in a March 27 advance notice posting. It is being held as a drill to prepare for when the community needs to do a lock down in the future.

The growing concerns over COVID-19 not only affected Ron Kanutski’s opportunity to celebrate his culture at the cancelled 32nd Annual Lakehead University Native Student Association Powwow, they also affected his employment opportunities. The powwow was scheduled at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus.

Magnus Theatre’s production of Drew Hayden Taylor’s play Cottagers and Indians features the humorous dramatization of a bitter conflict between an Indigenous man who is planting manomin (wild rice) and a nearby cottager. Herbie Barnes, from Aundeck Omni Kaning, plays the Indigenous character of Arthur Copper while Philippa Domville, from Montreal, plays the cottager Maureen Poole in the one-act play, which runs from March 13-28 at the Thunder Bay theatre.

Muskrat Dam is closing its borders after March 27 to all traffic except for medical trips approved by a practicing physician due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“Here in Muskrat Dam the people have given direction to do so, and that will be effective Friday at midnight,” says Muskrat Dam Chief Vernon Morris. “We are aware of all the activity that is happening outside of our own community and in the urban setting as well and we are in close communication with other communities in our respective area.”

Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald encourages people to stay home and be calm as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise across the province and country, including four confirmed cases in the Timmins area.