Question Period Note: Floodings

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• First Nations lead efforts to protect their communities during emergencies. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works in partnership with communities to ensure they have the resources and support needed to carry out safe, culturally informed evacuations when facing risks like flooding.
• This is the sixth year ISC has supported First Nations with On the Land initiatives as an alternative to evacuations due to flooding threats.
• The On the Land Initiative enables community members to remain on their traditional lands, engage in hunting practices, and foster connections to the land and the community.

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If pressed on evacuations due to flood threats in Ontario First Nations
• ISC works closely with First Nations leadership to support their preparation and response to potential flooding.
• Kashechewan and Fort Albany initiated full evacuations and Attawapiskat initiated a precautionary evacuation. As of June 2, repatriation is fully complete for all three communities.
• ISC remains committed to supporting First Nations communities through all stages of emergencies, in a holistic and community-driven manner.

If pressed on Evacuations due to flood threats in Yukon First Nations
• ISC works closely with First Nations leadership to support their preparation and response to potential flooding.
• ISC remains committed to supporting First Nations communities through all stages of emergencies, in a holistic and community-driven manner.

If pressed on repatriation
• ISC will continue to partner with the Province of Ontario and First Nations to support evacuation and repatriation efforts this spring.
• ISC will continue to liaise with First Nation leadership in all affected communities to support them during the floods, ensure community safety and the protection of community infrastructure, and coordinate next steps.
• ISC will support the First Nation in assessing damages and building back in a manner that best prepares for future emergencies.

If pressed on health supports provided during evacuation
• ISC works with partners and local health authorities to facilitate transport logistics and to ensure continued medical care for evacuees. While in host communities, evacuees can access health services through the provincial health care system.
• Mental health providers are available at all evacuation host sites and 24/7 mental health support is available through ISC’s Hope for Wellness Help Line.