AFN National Chief Supports Calls for All-Weather Roads for Remote First Nations
AFN press release
January 16, 2012
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today expressed support for the construction of all-weather roads to improve accessibility to and from remote First Nation communities, further urging all levels of government to work together with First Nations to ensure appropriate measures are taken when ice roads are not available.
“Northern First Nation communities that rely on ice roads for supplies over the winter months only become more vulnerable with mild winter weather,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. “We support calls by First Nation leadership in Manitoba and Ontario for the construction of all-weather roads and other approaches that work for First Nations that better ensure transportation of food, fuel and other essential supplies and services year round.”
Chiefs from Manitoba have declared a state of emergency, as above normal temperatures for the last few weeks have delayed winter road construction in the region. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc (MKO) Grand Chief David Harper and a group of remote First Nation communities in northern Manitoba cited climate change and government inaction, calling for the federal government and Manitoba to work with First Nations to develop a contingency plan.
Northern communities in Ontario have also called for an all-weather road system that would better ensure access and the delivery of essential housing and infrastructure needs to fly-in communities.
The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.
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For more information please contact:
Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or jyoung[at]afn.ca
Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer (613) 241-6789, ext 382 or agaron[at]afn.ca