At least one classroom of an elementary school in Rama First Nation has been temporarily closed, but there is little information being provided as to the reason.
OrilliaMatters has been contacted by a number of people who are concerned about the lack of information.
One woman noted her stepson attends Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School and said the school closed last week and is expected to reopen Nov. 2.
“He went to school like a normal day. Then they (were) sent home. Parents were called to pick up children and I have (been) watching the news and there is nothing out there regarding this,” she said.
OrilliaMatters has tried, since last Friday, to get information from Rama officials. Numerous attempts to reach Chief Ted Williams and communications manager Cathy Edney have been unsuccessful.
In a video message on Rama’s website, Williams says, “COVID is in our midst.”
Other than that, it is unclear what the COVID-19 situation looks like in Rama.
“Rama First Nation leadership and administration staff are working to protect our community members and staff during this health emergency,” a statement on the website reads, in part. “Medical advisors continue to remind us that containment will help to spread transmission of the virus.”
It goes on to state Rama will provide updates on its Rama Our Home Facebook page and the members-only section of its website.
“This is a rapidly changing situation and we ask that you rely on appropriate sources of information for updates. Misinformation may lead to unnecessary panic and uninformed choices that could create unnecessary risks (i.e. going to spaces in crowds, etc.).”
When contacted for information, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit officials noted First Nations do not fall under the health unit’s jurisdiction.
OrilliaMatters also reached out to Indigenous Services Canada, and spokesperson William Olscamp provided the following statement:
“Regarding school closures, First Nation communities will continue to make decisions on school re-opening based on what they have determined is the safest option for their students. For more information please contact the school, community, school board or tribal council responsible.
“Regarding case numbers in the community, Indigenous Services Canada will not comment on specific cases, or give information by a specific community, in order to protect the privacy of individuals who may be affected.”
OrilliaMatters was told to keep “reaching out to the appropriate authorities in the community for this information.”
