March 25, 2020 / 0 comments

First Nations in Ontario shut down non-essential businesses – Amid Covid-19.

The call from Premiere Doug Ford for the closure of all non-essential businesses  has some Ontario First Nations ordering all tobacco shops and cannabis outlets to close so people stay home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The order came down from the Chief and Council of Alderville First Nation then soon after, Kanesatake issuing all tobacco and cannabis outlets too close.

Chief of Alderville First Nation Dave Mowat posted the order to his personal Facebook page giving minimal time for tobacco and cannabis stores to close, allowing convenience stores to remain open. Some have disclosed on their website and other social media platforms that their store-front is set to close at 3 p.m.  and but have as late as 6 p.m. March 25, 2020.  All until further notice.

One of Chief Mowat’s Facebook followers Bonnie White wrote, “Hard call, but needs to be done.”

Chief Mowat also wrote the only drive-thru is exempt from the order. He also went on to say the information to take action against Covid-19 is from COO, AFN, Premier  Doug Ford, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and WHO.

The order states while Ontario deems cannabis essential, Chief and Council of Alderville have decided to issue the order to ensure ever effort to contain Covid-19. The full Chief and Council order is available their Facebook page.

“I’m so glad to see that the community safety is being put first,” writes Shawna Liao.

Chief Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation in central Ontario has touched base with her community VIA Facebook live regularly relating to Covid-19 and has provided aid to the elderly, but has yet to issue an order of full-lock down of the community. Yet some reports state as of late Chief Whetung may issue an order to go into effect by Friday, March 27, 2020. However on March 23, Chief Whetung issued a State of Emergency for the community.

Hiawatha First Nation near Peterborough, Ontario has also yet to issue an order that of the other First Nations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on March 24, in his address to all Canadians that some are not taking ‘this virus’ seriously and the government is prepared to take action so that people stay home.

Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald said in a Twitter reply that 34 First Nations across the province are in full lockdown.

 

**Updated when new information becomes available.**

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