Aaniin Curve Lake,
Thank you all for your continued patience and attention to the health and safety of our community throughout this difficult time. I understand that the pandemic has created challenges and uncertainty for many of you, but your consideration for the health of our community continues to be commendable.
I am writing today with a short update on our thoughts regarding a return to the “new normal”. As we all know, the Province of Ontario has announced a process and plan, but not a timeline, for the reopening of the province. There are still many uncertainties and unknowns at this time that make this process challenging but we are keeping informed of their progress and recommendations. However, the recommendations at this time is that First Nations delay any next steps by at least two weeks as this appears to be the pattern of delay in the effects of the pandemic reaching First Nations communities.
We are working closely with Peterborough Public Health to understand, as best we can, what would be the most conscientious steps for our community to take as we move forward. Curve Lake is a unique community, in a unique geographic location with unique needs and the reopening plan must be tailored to suit Curve Lake.
Council has a proposed timeline that the Loomex Group has developed in conjunction with the Management Team to plan for the gradual adjustment of measures and re-opening strategy in the community. We will be seeking community input and comments between now and June 17, 2020. Our goal is to incorporate community feed-back and begin implementing our Resumption Plan on June 19, 2020. This will likely be a staged process that will encompass all members, including off-reserve, businesses, visitors, the checkpoint, seasonal residents, and staff. We are all well aware of the need for a thoroughly thought out return to the new community normal and we can assure you that we are working to consider many perspectives, with the safety of our community being our top priority.
We would also like to invite you to participate in a community focus group this coming Tuesday, June 16, 2020, from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM or Wednesday, June 17, 2020, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, to express concerns and comments on the current re-opening phases provided. An elder focus group will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM and a youth focus group will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. These meetings will be held virtually and be accessible by phone (call-in) or video. Please email kstephenson@loomex.ca or call Kayla Stephenson at 647 999 8868 to ensure you are provided the information on the appropriate focus group or questions concerning this process.
Miigwetch. Stay safe, stay home.
Chief Emily Whetung on behalf of Curve Lake Council
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