Solidarity walk in Niagara Falls to support Kashechewan evacuees

Community members are holding a solidarity walk in downtown Niagara Falls on Friday to protest how city council recently portrayed Indigenous evacuees from Kashechewan First Nation.

The march will begin at 11 a.m. at the Tim Hortons located at 4835 Victoria Ave. before those participating walk peacefully to Niagara Falls City Hall in solidarity with Kashechewan First Nation.

In January, the First Nations community declared a state of emergency following critical failures in its water and sewage systems.

They remain temporarily relocated while recovery and repair efforts continue in their home community.

On June 23, former Chief Administrative Officer Ken Todd suggested in a council meeting that Indigenous evacuees from Kashechewan were being perceived as individuals experiencing homelessness.

Mayor Jim Diodati made comments about emergency accommodation approaches for evacuees which included the consideration of non-hotel facilities as part of broader planning discussions.

Indigenous leaders and community member have criticized these remarks, saying they reinforce harmful and longstanding stereotypes about Indigenous people.

On Tuesday, Mayor Diodati met with Chief Hosea Wesley of the Kashechewan Nation.

READ MORE: MP Masty meets with Kashechewan First Nation evacuees in Niagara Falls

“Communities can do better, but we need support,” said Mayor Diodati. “To be displaced from your home, living in a hotel room for weeks and sometimes months on end, individuals and families need places to go, to gather and to create community.”

He issued a statement saying, “Our intentions to gain support for families and for the community were good, but comments can be misinterpreted. That’s why the importance of open dialogue and communication cannot be understated. I am sorry that my comments caused hurt within the Kashechewan First Nation and broader Indigenous community. I apologize and I take responsibility for that, as I stand by the positive intentions of the report. No disrespect was intended.”

“Our people have been here for six months with positive relations in Niagara Falls. I had to speak up for our community and share our voice. We are looking forward to ongoing dialogue with our host community while we are here,” Chief Wesley said.

Community members are calling on the City of Niagara Falls to take accountability in several ways including a formal public apology at the next city council meeting as well as the creation and permanent funding of a diversity, equity and inclusion officer position.

Mayor Diodati will meet with Chief Wesley and his group at the completion of their peaceful walk to city hall to join them in solidarity.

READ MORE: Kashechewan First Nation evacuees arrive in Niagara Falls amid water issues