July 2025 Newsletter-YFFN-Chief and Council_Updated
The Warrior Caregiver Program provides essentialmentalhealthandwellnesssupport withinthecommunity Itsnewphasefocuses on healing, family-centered activities, and empowering youth as leaders These initiativesaimtobuildresilienceanddeepen intergenerationalconnections
Aspartofeffortstoensurewearenotcutoff from development, YFFN is moving forward with plans to improve access south of the Aiken River by upgrading the existing causeway in York Landing Dillon Consulting Limited has been engaged to provide engineeringservicesfortheconceptualdesign ofanewmodularpanelbridge
Manitoba declared a state of emergencyonJuly10aswildfiresforced nearly13,000evacuations Themilitaryis assisting, with evacuees housed in Winnipegshelters
York Landing has declared a state of emergency after ferry service suspension left the community isolated and low on essential supplies Chief Wastesicoot and Council are working with government agencies to quickly restoreaccessandsupportresidents
✅ Housing Projects Near Completion Construction on new housing units continued through July with strong progress Several homes are now in their final stages, ready for occupancy. These culturally rooted homes will offer safety, comfort,andpride Theinitiativereflectsa deep commitment to community wellbeing
�� Youth Training Grows with Elder Guidance Youth participation in skillbuilding programs rose this month Hands-on training covers construction and land care basics Elders provide cultural mentorship and traditional knowledge This strengthens both practical skills and community connection.
YorkLandingIsFacingaCrisisThatCanNoLongerBeIgnored Foryears,YorkLandinghasurgentlycalledforalastingsolutiontoenditsisolation,most importantly,anall-weatherroad WearecallingfornegotiationswiththeGovernmentof Canada on possible relocation While some officials have shown interest, decades of brokenpromiseshaveerodedtrusttoadeeplevel ACommunityCutOff
Recently, suspended ferry service and heavy smoke have grounded planes, blocked boats,andemptiedstoreshelves Pricesforessentialshavesoaredtofourtimesnormal Medicalsuppliesandfoodcannotreachthecommunity,andsickresidentscannotleave. Thisisfarbeyondinconvenience It’slife-threatening
“An entire community is paying the price for Southern Manitoba’s power. York Factory First Nation has survived forced relocation,residentialschools,anddecadesofneglect.TheyDeserveJustice.”
In the face of ongoing wildfire threats, heavy smoke, and the realities of our remotelocation,YorkFactoryFirstNationcontinuestostandtallwithstrength, unity, and unwavering resilience Our people have once again shown the true spirit of community, enduring hardships together and lifting one another througheverychallenge
TofurtherprotectourNation,YFFNhastakenproactivemeasuresbyapplying totheFire-Smartprogram Thisimportantapplicationseeksfundingto: Provide wildfire prevention and emergency response training for community members
We anticipate funding confirmation in the near future and remain fully committed to defending our homes, environment, and the wellbeing of our people
If you see anything unusual related to wildfires or smoke in or near the community, please don’t hesitate to contact Craig Saunders or reach out to Chief&Council
Together, we navigate challenges Together, we protect what matters And together,wethrive.
NEWSLETTER LEADERSHIP’S
�� WikiwinPolytechnicConstructionUpdate
The 8-Room Wikiwin Polytechnic Facility Dormitory constructioniscurrentlyexperiencingdelaysprimarilydueto ferryservicevolatility Unpredictablecrossingscausedbylow water levels and occasional breakdowns are hindering the timelytransportofmaterials Thischallengeaffectstheoverall projecttimelineandcomplicatescoordinationeffortson-site
To address these issues, the project team holds weekly coordination calls with the ferry operator to secure reliable booking slots and contingency sailings Additionally, interim on-site storage plans are being developed to allow partial offloadingofsmallermaterialsaheadofcrewarrivals,helping to maintain steady progress despite transportation disruptions
Theconstructionofthenew80'x150'PolytechnicFacilityisdelayeddue tologisticalchallenges ThedeliveryofstructuralsteelI-beams,critical forsecond-floorframing,hasnoconfirmedarrivaldate Ferryservicefor transportingmaterialsandcrewsisunpredictablebecauseoflowwater levels and occasional breakdowns Additionally, haulage coordination issues, including trailer and driver availability, have contributed to delays
To address this, the team holds weekly calls with the ferry operator to securebookingsandcontingencies,isexpeditingsteelshipmentswhile exploring barge transport, and has pre-booked extra trailers and backup drivers Interim storage on-site is planned to allow partial offloading before crew arrivals We remain committed to progressing efficientlyandappreciatethecommunity’ssupport
CHIEF & COUNCIL’S
THANK YOU TO OUR COURAGEOUS FIRE FIGHTERS!
�� UpcomingProjects
�� AeroDomeProject
Strategic discussions are underway to enhance York Landing’s air transportationcapacity
✈ Stakeholder meetings with Transport Canada have been scheduled to discuss regulatory pathways and funding opportunities
This project aims to improve emergency access, support logistics, andstrengthenoverallcommunityconnectivity
⚓ NeestananProject:PortRevitalization
Efforts to restore and revitalize the historic ports and routes are progressing
�� A site visit and community engagement session is planned in the comingdaystogatherlocalinputandensuretheport’sredevelopment reflectsYFFNprioritiesandvision.
�� Members will be kept informed as planning and consultation activitiesunfold
The Council is actively engaging with the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, to advocate for the expedited approval of construction funding. These discussions are focused on accelerating access to the necessary financial resources required to move vital infrastructure projects forward By prioritizing this engagement, the Council aims to ensure that community development plans remain on track and that essential housing and facility projects can proceed without unnecessary delays The goal is to secure timely support that reflects the urgencyoflocalneedsandtheimportanceofimprovinglivingconditionsfor ourmembers.
Volunteers Firefights has completed WildlandsFireFightingType3training, earning both YF FF Type 3 (2025) and WHMIScertificates They’renowsetfor deploymenttoGillam
Big congratulations to all, and a reminder that it's never too late to chasenewgoals! ��
A state of emergency has officially been declared in York Landing following the suspension of ferry operations an essential transportation link for the community. The halt in service has left manyresidentsisolated,withlimitedaccesstocriticalsuppliessuch as food, fuel, and medical resources This disruption has placed considerable strain on daily life, particularly for Elders, families, and thosewithurgentcareneeds
In response, Chief Darryl Wastesicoot and the Council are working tirelessly, engaging directly with provincial and federal government agencies to coordinate immediate support and find effective solutions Theireffortsarefocusedonsecuringemergencyresources, restoring transportation access, and ensuring residents receive the helptheyneedduringthischallengingtime. Communitymembersareencouragedtostayinformedandremain patient as leadership continues to push for swift action Further updates will be shared as progress is made toward stabilizing the situationandre-establishingsafe,reliableaccesstoYorkLanding
For more information, or if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this update or any related matters, we encourage you to reach out Your voice matters, and we are committed to keeping the community well-informed, supported, and engaged throughout this process. Please do nothesitatetocontacttheleadershipteamforclarification,assistance,orto shareyourthoughts YoucanreachtheChiefandCouncilattheBandOffice Ekosi.
