First Nations communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Here’s why People in Neskantaga First Nation — about 450 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont. — can only get in or out of the community by airplane in the summer, and occasionally ice roads in the winter.“We rely on air service for pretty much everything.
It’s just like the highways to us,” said Gary Quisess, a councillor on the First Nation.People fly in and out of the community for food, medical appointments and even to commute to their jobs, he said, and they have no other options.The community of 400 people, which has been under a boil-water advisory since 1995, recently lifted travel restrictions and now relies heavily on tests to protect against COVID-19.The.