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The travel ban went into effect today. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
Travel Ban

Fond du Lac travel ban in place, band members to receive financial assistance

Mar 20, 2020 | 4:47 PM

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.

According to the provincial Highway Hotline, starting today there is a travel ban in place for Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation. Travel will be allowed through the community, but there will be no access to services on the reserve and no stopping. The order extends to March 31.

larongeNOW reached out to Chief Mercredi for comment, but he declined.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

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