KENORA – Four new emergency accessibility vehicles will make a difference in the lives of many First Nation members across Treaty 3 territory.
Three of the colourfully painted vans have found homes in Lac Seul First Nation, Kenora and Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Whitefish Bay), at the ready for use in health and other emergencies.
A host site for the fourth has not yet been confirmed but hopefully will be “within the next few weeks,” said Damien Boyer, Grand Council Treaty #3's (GCT3) health and emergency management coordinator, on Thursday.
“Host sites were strategically selected to ensure equitable response times to communities in Treaty #3,” he said in an email.
The vehicles are a six-figure investment by GCT3, Boyer said.
Each vehicle is equipped to be wheelchair-accessible with the goal of eliminating transportation challenges experienced by members with mobility impairments.
GCT3 identified the top three priorities for the emergency accessibility vehicle program as assisting in community health, social and environmental emergencies, transportation for mental health and addictions treatment, and transportation to cultural events with the intent of improving mental health.
“We are grateful to our host First Nations that will house the emergency accessibility vehicles,” stated a news release from GCT3.
