POSSIBLE EXPOSURE – an essential worker was in the office on Wed. Nov 18 and tested positive on Sun. Nov 22. Further, some families recently received notice of potential exposure through the school.
PARTIAL LOCKDOWN NOTICE: Effective immediately, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation will be going to a partial lockdown for 14 days effective 6:00 pm on Wed, Nov. 25. That brings the end of the lockdown to Wed. Dec. 9. Please keep in mind, the lockdown may be extended but notice will be given.
SHOPPING DAYS: Please take this time to get what supplies or groceries you need. The checkpoint staff will allow passage at the gate from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm on the following dates:
- Fri. Nov 27
- Tues. Dec 1 and
- Fri. Dec 4.
STUDENTS & DAYCARE CHILDREN: The partial lockdown includes students attending school and children in daycare in Kenora. Parents and guardians, please make the necessary arrangements for school work for your child(ren). Bussing will cease.
CHECKPOINT: Checkpoint staff are authorized to refuse entry to visitors and to search vehicles for compliance. Non-compliance or threatening behavior towards the checkpoint workers will result in the authorities being contacted.
Community members may use the checkpoint for deliveries of items (pick up and drop off). Checkpoint staff are not responsible for any missing items. Please ensure you set up a time for a pick up.
WELLNESS CHECKS: Band members are welcome to come into the community to conduct wellness checks on family members living in the community. Please keep your visit short, complete your check and wear a mask while in your family member’s home. No visiting other homes please.
MEDICALS: Lorraine Kabestra, Health Director, will have medical appointment confirmation slips that must be provided to checkpoint staff to be allowed out and to return. Please return the confirmation slip to the checkpoint staff. Band and community members that must attend medical appointments out of the region, must self-isolate for 14-days upon return to the community. Please limit the number of individuals travelling to the appointment when possible.
BAND OFFICE: The Band Office will remain open to staff and primary care service providers at this time. In-person programming is now cancelled (ie. workshops and events). Should community members require appointments, they are to phone the office and arrange a time. Pre-screening will be completed before entering the office. Masks are mandatory. Anyone refusing pre-screening or to wear a mask while in the office will be asked to leave. Unless you have an appointment at the office, please refrain from visiting.
COVID-19 TESTING: The mobile testing unit is at the gym today, Nov. 23. Additional testing will take place on Tues. Nov 24. No walk-ins. Please make an appointment with Lorraine Kabestra, Health Director. The community will be notified of additional testing dates as they are set.
EMPLOYMENT IN TOWN: For community members that work in town, please provide a letter from your employer that you must be at work and include your work schedule. The checkpoint staff will have a copy.
OTHER: If you are a band member living outside of the region and planning to return home, you will be expected to self-isolate for up to 14 days upon your return to the community.
Chief and Council and essential staff will continue to monitor the situation. Updated communication will be posted to the website as the situation develops.
Any other inquiries Chief and Council can be reached:
- Lorraine Cobiness – 807-548-8924 or (807) 466-0808 text or msg
- Reno Cameron – (807) 464-0950
- Fabian Blackhawk – (807) 464-4137
- Bernice Major – (807) 407-5686
- Martina Strong – (807) 548-1134
We appreciate our members continuing to do their part in limiting the spread in our community. We will get through this together.