URGENT CALL OUT FOR FURNITURE AND WARM CLOTHES
Members of Mishkeegogamang First Nation are facing a harsh winter and the injustice of a terrible housing crisis. As such, the First Nations Solidarity Working Group and members of CUPE 3903 are organizing a furniture and clothing drive in support of the community.
The following items are needed: beds, tables, chairs, mattresses, couches, warm clothes, blankets, tools, dishes and cutlery, kids clothes, toys, books, washers, dryers, bookcases, TVs, and computers.
To arrange a pick-up, volunteer, or make another donation to help cover the cost of the driver and fuel, please email cupe3903fnswg@gmail.com or call 647-295-0078. Pick-ups usually occur on Fridays and Saturdays. Alternatively, you can also arrange to drop items off at Weston Road and St.Clair. The truck leaves Toronto on December 6, 2014.
About the Mishkeegogamang First Nation
Mishkeegogamang First Nation is an Ojibwa nation located 500km north of Thunder Bay. Like other northern communities struggling against colonial dispossession, Mishkeegogamang faces traumatizing poverty despite billions of dollars of resources being extracted from their territory by the gold mining industry. A Northwestern Health Unit report stated that as many as 21 people live under one roof, and it is not uncommon for people to sleep in shifts to assure everyone access to a bed.
Mishkeegogamang is on what is called Treaty 9 territory. The original site where the treaty was signed is now underwater. In 1934, the Ontario government chose to build a hydro dam to supply the Pickle Crow Gold mine with hydro. Water began to rise in 1935, which caused homes in the community to be washed away. People were not told they would be flooded and awoke to find water rising in their homes.
The dispossession of the people of Mishkeegogamang only continues. Highway 599 runs right through the reserve and is crucial for the vast gold mining industry in the area, which results in billions of dollars coming from Ojibway land and resources.
In the face of government inaction, members of Mishkeegogamang have organized their own clothing and furniture drive in preparation for the coming winter. A truck will make the 28 hour drive to bring furniture from Toronto. Please donate and support.
This post was edited for clarity and length. The original post can be found here.