At a news conference yesterday in Winnipeg, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Chief Angela Levasseur addressed the critical nursing shortage on the
First Nation.

Levasseur said that since last September, NCN’s nursing station has been
open for emergencies only.

She puts the blame on a lack of nurses, which is created by a lack of
funding.

Levasseur said that rampant poverty in the community of 35-hundred has
lead to addictions and violence.

She said the nurses are often kept busy looking after victims of
violence while those who are ill often cannot receive medical care.

Levasseur, along with Chief David Monias of Pimicikimak Cree Nation and
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee, are calling on the federal and
provincial governments to increase health care funding to First Nations
to address what they call  “two-tier health care.”

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee  was on hand as Chief Angela Levasseur of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
addressed the lack of nurses in that community leading to the Nursing
Station being open to emergencies only since September 2023.

Chief David Monias of Pimicikimak Cree Nation also added that health is
a treaty right, a human right and a legislative right.

He said extra funding is needed to address the nursing shortages so that
adequate medical care can be received in a timely manner by those living
on First Nations.