Illness breaks out in beleaguered Ontario First Nation

Health tests at Kashechewan First Nation, which is already in a state of emergency due to water contamination, show a widespread outbreak of a water-borne illness.

As of Jan. 22, at least 44 people in the remote Ontario Cree first nation have tested positive for cryptosporidium, a diarrhea-causing parasite likely linked to the contamination, said executive director Tyson Wesley. The number of people with the parasite is likely higher because entire households aren’t always tested, he added.

A sewage pump failure contaminated the community’s water plant in early December, but a state of emergency wasn’t called until Jan. 4. Since then, about 800 residents have been relocated to hotels in Niagara Falls and others to Timmins, Kapuskasing and Kingston. About 460 residents remain while repairs continue on the water plant, clinic and frozen hydrants. A series of charter flights are expected to bring that number below 400 by Friday.

The water crisis has renewed the nation’s push to permanently relocate the community from its flood-prone site on the Albany River. Wesley said it is no longer feasible to remain in the current location. “The river is so unpredictable in any year that it threatens our very lives,” he said.

A team is collecting water samples, with test results due around Jan. 30.

Wesley praised Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) teams as “phenomenal” and “working diligently” once evacuations began.

However, he said the federal Joint Emergency Management Steering Committeemanual falls short in addressing water contamination crises, on-site health care response, cultural needs and challenges for families with autistic children requiring specific foods and routines. “We have families that don't want to evacuate because they know that their children who are on the spectrum can't really function in different settings.”

He called for First Nations to be directly involved in revising the manual, which it updates every three years, with the next scheduled for 2027. “This year is the time to really speak about what should be added, what should be taken out, what can be improved,” he said.

The government later responded by securing kitchenettes and larger rooms in Kingston to better accommodate families, a step he applauded.

The Kashechewan First Nation was forced by the federal government to move to a flood-prone site in 1958 despite warnings. The community has endured a 2005 E. coli evacuation and frequent floods since 2006. Wesley said relocation 30 km upriver has been slowed by inflation, COVID delays and Ontario’s absence from meetings despite a 2019 deal signed by Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, Greg Rickford.

“We haven’t seen him since that signing ceremony,” Wesley said, adding Rickford later called only to complain about media criticism. Wesley says Ontario must set firm timelines to restart relocation. “If they can expedite the Ring of Fire development in North Ontario, which is supposed to help Ontario compete in the world markets with critical minerals … They can do it for relocation.”

While ISC did not directly answer questions about whether updates to the manual are needed in light of recent events, its spokesperson Eric Head said in an email to Canada’s National Observer that the department continues to work closely with Kashechewan and its partners through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre to support evacuees and address ongoing health and infrastructure challenges.

As of January 20, ISC reported that 1,448 evacuees are being supported at host locations across Ontario, with additional flights underway. The department said community members are receiving comprehensive support for health, safety and mental wellness.

ISC confirmed that the Kashechewan water plant is operational again following repairs by Northern Waterworks. However, a “do not consume” water advisory remains in effect as water quality testing continues.

The department said it is investigating the cause of the outbreak and prioritizing gastrointestinal lab tests. Anyone with symptoms is being urged to seek care at host sites or in-community.

"Public health officials are conducting an investigation into the cause of this illness. Sources for the cryptosporidium parasite vary widely and can be found in the environment such as soil, lake water and animal feces," Head said.

Head said treatment focuses on rest and fluids for most, with antimicrobials possible for vulnerable groups like infants, elders and immunocompromised people after specialist review. The parasite spreads through dirty food, water or poor hygiene, so washing hands with soap and water is important. Hand sanitizer does not work against Cryptosporidium.

Public health teams from ISC, Ontario and the Northeastern unit are on-site through January 23, holding livestreams on January 16 and 20 to share transmission advice and answer questions, with education materials rushed out.

The department noted that no E. coli has been detected in treated water samples and testing for the parasite cryptosporidium is ongoing due to health concerns within the community.

In response to the relocation efforts for Kashechewan First Nation, the department said it is committed to moving the community to higher ground.

In December 2025, ISC approved $8.4 million for planning studies under the 2019 Framework Agreement, which will guide future community relocation and infrastructure development efforts. “ISC will continue to support Kashechewan First Nation in meeting the immediate and long-term needs of the community,” Head said.

Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer.