Saugeen First Nation Council has approved COVID-19 relief funding on a case by case basis for community members, while Chief and Council of Nawash have extended the Emergency Living Wage support program until May 4, 2020. The program offers $450/week to qualified applicants who have been economically impacted by the pandemic.
Chief Lester Anoquot says application forms are currently being drafted and asked the community to be patient, as staff is practicing social distancing protocols but says service will continue in the community.
Last week both Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation declared a State of Emergency and has erected signage to say it is closed to visitors, echoing its neighbouring communities request for visitors and cottage owners to stay at the their primary residents during the pandemic.
Nawash Unceded First Nation has also restricted access to Neyaashiinigmiing.
Chief Anoquot says council had a meeting Monday morning via teleconference with all members present.
“We want the community to know that we are still managing our business through these tough times, with most staff working remotely from home. Staff wages will continue to be paid through the month of April.”
He asks the community to remain calm, practice social distancing, self-isolation and to wash hands and to stay home.
“We simply want to flatten the curve of infection and stop the spread of the Coronavirus.”
The Saugeen First Nation Food Bank is operating by appointment with additional food and resources being allocated.
“The Health and Safety Committee have been actively working and safety kits are available at the recreation centre,” says the Chief.
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation has implemented the same closures and has suspended all non-essential band business and programs and has closed its Sydney Bay entrance to Neyaashiinigmiing.
As of April 2, a monitoring station has been erected at the Coveney’s Road entrance, and is staffed around the clock.
Vehicles entering the community will be required to stop and give the monitors their reason for entering. Entrance is permitted for:
Residents and members
Essential employees
Emergency Response personnel
Essential inspection, maintenance and repair persons
Canada Post employees and other carriers
Hydro One, Bell Canada and GB Tel service people
Fuel suppliers
Anyone with written permission of Council