The Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba declared a state of emergency Friday due to a shortage of nurses.
Located 550 km north of Winnipeg, this First Nation has more than 9,000 members, including 6,000 people who live in the community.
Only four of 13 foster care positions are filled in the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, also known as the Pimicikamak Cree Nation Cross the lake.
Health officials say nurses working in this community are suffering from burnout and lack of sleep. Meanwhile, patients are being denied access to care as the health unit within the First Nation only accepts emergencies.
For those who don't know Cross the lakeWe are an isolated community and have no access to other services
says Helga Hamilton, the community's health director. Unlike in cities like Steinbach or Winkler, you cannot go to clinics without an appointment.
We only have one infirmary here
She adds.
Helga Hamilton says the community has long struggled with a nursing shortage, but the situation is now at a critical stage.
Health is a human right
Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias is calling on all levels of government to intervene to resolve this issue.
This is Canada's responsibility. They have a duty to our members to provide health care under the Canada Health Act, just as the province does, he says. Health is a human right, a legal right and a contractual right, and we must ensure that this right is respected.
Although no cases of measles have been reported in Manitoba as of Friday, municipal officials say they are closely monitoring the situation.
David Monias adds that the First Nation will need more nurses to vaccinate people against measles.
With information from Gavin Axelrod
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