LONG LAKE 58 FIRST NATION — A seven-year-old boy died after a bicycle accident in the community.
Matawa First Nations issued a news release on Thursday morning, which said the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. the previous day.
Provincial police said a pickup truck and the bicyclist were involved in the collision. The boy had life threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Matawa Chiefs Council, Matawa Board of Directors, and delegates at its annual general meeting are mourning the loss.
A sacred fire was lit and is set to burn for four days.
“Our hearts are broken. Our prayers are with the children, family, first responders, and the entire Long Lake #58 community. We join them in mourning the passing of this beautiful child whose young life was taken under the most tragic and heartbreaking of circumstances. In her remarks after the accident, Chief Judy Desmoulin talked about how the effects of colonization are truly taking it’s toll," the statement from Matawa First Nations reads.
"Crisis response staff from Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Hope are assisting, and providing the needed supports to the family and community. Please join us in prayer for strength and healing for Long Lake #58 over the difficult days ahead.”
The annual general assembly, which was set to wrap up on Thursday, has been suspended. All Matawa chiefs expressed their personal condolences and offers of assistance.
The Matawa statement said Long Lake 58 First Nation doesn't have adequate road infrastructure, including a lack of sidewalks or bicycle paths.
Provincial police said in an investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with collision investigators from the OPP's Northwest REgion traffic incident management and enforcement team providing assistance.
