The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, today called upon the federal government to resolve the lack of basic health care cases for First Nations citizens residing in the Sioux Lookout area in Ontario. This call follows the drastic action that one chief, two councilors and four members of their First Nations community and band councils undertook today. They began a hunger strike to protest the potential closure of the Sioux Lookout Zone hospital and the lack of nursing care in their district.

"This situation is critical. Some of the hunger strikers are sick people, some of whom are diabetic. This course of action could lead to deaths. The government must intervene today to resolve the critical health care needs of the area before people die demanding basic health services", stated National Chief Phil Fontaine. "The hospital has barricaded entrances to the establishment and there are reports that chronically-ill First Nations citizens have been discharged by hospital administrators, fearful of protesters. Is is totally unacceptable."

There is also a threat to close the Sioux Lookout Hospital, which requires a minimum of 11 doctors to remain operational. Attracting and retaining health professionals in the area has been difficult. Despite lobbying efforts by First Nations chiefs and communities, there has been no movement by the federal government and the Hospital administration to resolve the crisis. "Other remote locations have been able to arrange for programs to attract and retain health care professionals. I really question the will of the government in not establishing such programs to deal with the day-to-day, critical health needs of First Nations citizens in this area", added the National Chief.

Since word of the hunger strike has spread, the hospital has, for all intents and purposes, closed the facility. Furthermore, in spite of the fact that this was a peaceful protest, the Ontario Provincial Police has significantly increased its presence and visibility, heightening the tensions between the First Nations and authorities. "There was never any indication of violence or the need for police presence. This is typical of the barricade mentality that creates a potential for confrontation. I know our people will be peaceful in their gestures and ask other parties to remove themselves and allow democracy to operate peacefully. I also ask Minister Rock to intervene today to stop this escalation of measures that only will make a bad situation worse." concluded National Chief Fontaine.

For additional information, contact:

Jean LaRose at (613) 241-6789, ext. 251 (jlarose@afn.ca).

For further information, please contact:

Chiefs of Ontario Office
344 Bloor St. West, Suite #602
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3A7
Tel: (416) 972-0212
Fax: (416) 972 - 0217