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Kashechewan teen says she misses being on the land after evacuation to Niagara Falls.
Summary
A Kashechewan First Nation mother and her teenage daughter are staying in Niagara Falls hotels after a weeks-long water treatment problem led to an evacuation; about 921 evacuees are in the city and regional public health teams have been assessing reported illnesses.
Content
Two weeks after leaving Kashechewan First Nation, a mother and her teenage daughter are living in Niagara Falls hotels and say they appreciate local help while missing life on the land. The evacuation followed a water treatment plant malfunction that prompted a state of emergency on Jan. 4. Nearly 1,000 people were forced from their homes and many have been relocated to hotels or other nearby communities. Local groups and city staff have been providing accommodations and supports for families and students.
Known details:
- Officials announced that pumps at Kashechewan's water treatment plant were clogged and unable to mix treatment chemicals, prompting a state of emergency on Jan. 4.
- As of Friday, 921 people from Kashechewan were staying in hotels in Niagara Falls, with others expected to settle in nearby communities.
- Niagara Regional Public Health has been assessing and treating evacuees who have shown symptoms after arrival, and 63 people in Kashechewan were reported to have tested positive for cryptosporidium.
- Local teachers and support staff have flown to Niagara Falls to provide homework packages, study space and social areas for children and elders.
Summary:
The displacement has moved many community members into hotel settings and disrupted routines such as school and local events, while host communities have organized supports and activities. Undetermined at this time.
Sources
I miss 'being on the land,' says Kashechewan teen living city life in Niagara Falls, Ont., after evacuation | CBC News
CBC News2/1/2026, 9:00:00 AMOpen source →
I miss "being on the land," Kashechewan teen says as she lives city life in Niagara Falls after evacuation | CBC News
CBC News2/1/2026, 9:00:00 AMOpen source →
