‘We’re basically stranded’: York Factory First Nation says they are still waiting for supports

It’s been 40 days since York Factory’s ferry and main source of transportation was grounded due to low water levels.

“We’re basically stranded,” Councillor Louisa Constant, York Factory First Nation. “Our situation is still the same.”

Chief and council are calling for more interim support after they say all they got to help the situation was one hydro boat patrol and three small aluminum boats — one of which is broken.

“They’re not proving to be in good working condition,” said Constant.

York Factory uses its ferry to connect to Split Lake for food, healthcare, ceremonies, and connection to the provincial highway system. Constant says the community has been paying for three or four charter flights every two weeks to bring groceries into the community.

“We’re bearing the brunt of all costs so far.”

It’s been two weeks since York Factory First Nation met with Premier Wab Kinew, who pledged air support for the community, support he says is still coming.

“There’ll be flights and other arrangements that we put together alongside the community and alongside the federal government,” said Premier Kinew.

He also claimed the province has provided six boats thus far.

But Constant says she hasn’t seen the additional two boats. She wants the province to instruct Hydro to release more water into the lake.

“Manitoba Hydro is doing what we always do, we manage our water resources responsibly to ensure that we’re able to supply safe, reliable electricity to all Manitobans, not only now, but into the winter and into next year if those drought conditions continue,” said Peter Chura, the media relations officer for Manitoba Hydro.

Constant points to the Manitoba Hydro selling to the United States. Chura says they’re meeting contractual obligations.

In the meantime, Constant says charities like Second Harvest have provided food to her community, which she’s grateful for as she awaits further word from the province.