Chief of Poplar Hill First Nation acknowledges support received during search for youth
Press release ...
NAN Acknowledges Community Support and Volunteers
THUNDER BAY, ON Friday November 2, 2007: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council together with Poplar Hill First Nation Chief Eli Moose acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Thunder Bay City Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and local and regional volunteers following a four day extensive search for Poplar Hill First Nation member Reggie Bushie.
“On behalf of my community and the family of Reggie Bushie, including parents Rhoda Bushie and Barenson King, I extend our gratitude to Thunder Bay City Police, O.P.P., and local and regional volunteers who coordinated and participated in this week’s intensive search,” said Poplar Hill First Nation Chief Eli Moose.
Moose’s comments come after a body suspected to be Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School student Reggie Bushie (15) of Poplar Hill First Nation was found in Thunder Bay’s McIntyre River late yesterday.
“We’ve lost too many students in Thunder Bay over the last few years that it’s time to examine the issue on a broader scale,” said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose. “The cultural and societal barriers for a 14 year old student several hundred miles away from home are enough to deal with without the threat of losing your life. The challenge to ensure our students have the resources to succeed academically is great enough - now it seems we’re faced with the challenge of keeping them alive.”
An emergency crisis centre providing support to students, staff, and boarding home parents has been set up at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School’s Elders Room.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities across Ontario – Poplar Hill First Nation is one of these communities.
++++++++
From Thunder Bay's News Source ...
Remains Identified
11/3/2007
City Police have confirmed the identity of the body found in the McIntyre River. The remains of 15-year-old Reggie Bushie were discovered Thursday afternoon in the river near the May Street Bridge. Bushie, a Dennis Franklin Cromarty Student is originally from Poplar Hill Ontario. He had been missing since Friday October 26th, when he was last seen by a group of friends on the banks of the McIntrye River. A massive ground search, a helicopter and an OPP dive team were all involved in the effort. Police say foul-play is not suspected.