MATAWA JOINS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY IN MOURNING THE LOSS OF A CHILD FROM A BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, June 27, 2023 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATAWA JOINS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY IN MOURNING THE LOSS OF A CHILD FROM A BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION
LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION, ON: The Matawa Chiefs Council, Matawa Board of Directors and delegates of the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) are mourning the loss of a 7-year-old boy in Grade 2 from a fatal bicycle accident that took place in Long Lake #58 First Nation at around 5:30 p.m. yesterday:
“Our hearts are broken. Our prayers are with the children, family, first responders, and the entire Long Lake #58 community. We join them in mourning the passing of this beautiful child whose young life was taken under the most tragic and heartbreaking of circumstances. In her remarks after the accident, Chief Judy Desmoulin talked about how the effects of colonization are truly taking it’s toll.
Crisis response staff from Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Hope are assisting, and providing the needed supports to the family and community. Please join us in prayer for strength and healing for Long Lake #58 over the difficult days ahead.”
Long Lake #58 First Nation does not have adequate road infrastructure including the lack of sidewalks or bicycle paths.
The 35th Matawa AGM, which was to have concluded today, was suspended out of respect for the family and community. Before suspending, all Matawa Chiefs offered their personal condolences and offers of assistance. A sacred fire was lit and will burn over the next four (4) days.
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For more information, please contact Carol Audet, Communications Manager – Matawa First Nations at (807) 632-9663 or by email at caudet@matawa.on.ca