The First Nation community of Attawapiskat is in dire need of housing supplies to help repair their existing homes. OPSEU is part of Design Points North, a group heading up to Attawapiskat on Saturday, February 4 with a transport truck to deliver a Mongolian yurt. There is room on the truck and we need your help to fill it up with useful items.

Design Points North, a new organization made up of a diverse group of individuals, representing business, labour and the Chiefs of Ontario. It is a multi-faceted attempt to improve conditions in Attawapiskat through sustainable and community-oriented projects and initiatives. Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has welcomed the Design Points North initiative into the community.

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence declared a state of emergency for her community last December. At the time there were five families living in non-insulated tents, 19 families living in makeshift sheds without water or electricity, 87 buildings fit for condemnation that house 128 families, and 35 families living in houses that need serious repair.

Attawapiskat is located along the west side of the James Bay coast. The community is only accessible by road during the winter freeze up. The truck delivering the yurt to Attawapiskat will travel 700 kilometers to Cochrane from Toronto, where it will board a freight train to Moosenee. The truck will be driven another 300 kilometers on the seasonal ice road. It is no wonder six apples and four small bottles of juice cost $23.50 in this remote community.

Design Points North is looking for cash donations to purchase supplies the community has requested like: lumber, hot water tanks, exterior doors, chimney sets, insulation and other useful items.

Please contact Laurie Miller 1-800-268-7376 or 416-443-8888 ext. 7440. Email:  lmiller@opseu.org

There are three ways to donate:
 
1. Send a cheque.

Please make the cheque out to OPSEU and send it to
100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8
Note: Please indicate that it is to support Attawapiskat
 
2. Use the paypal account at the Design Points North website.
(http://www.designpointsnorth.com) A tax receipt will be issued for all donations.
 
3. Cash donations can be made at the Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street, Toronto. Donors can fill out a donation form at the box-office in the lobby. You will receive a tax receipt by mail upon request.
 
If you can pass this request on to others that would be much appreciated.
 

Aboriginal Circle Index