Fond du Lac travel ban in place, band members to receive financial assistance
A request for emergency funding by Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation Chief Louie Mercredi has been approved by trustees of the Treaty 8 Benefits Trust.
A letter written to the band members from the trustees dated March 19 stated Mercredi requested assistance for those living both on and off-reserve to ensure their safety as they cope with COVID-19 pandemic. Trustees met and agreed to assist the First Nation in the amount of $50,000 to support a caribou hunt to obtain traditional food.
A $1,000 payment will also be given to each eligible member who is the age of majority to assist with food supply and payment of essential services.
“This payment will be forthcoming on or before March 31 for those with direct deposits, and in early April 2020 for those who have historically received payments by cheque and live off reserve,” the letter states.