Bodies of 3 people killed in northern Manitoba fire on the way home
Bunibonibee Cree Nation, 950 km northeast of Winnipeg, grieving loss of 3 people killed in fire
Friends and family of three people killed in a house fire on a remote northern community last month were in Winnipeg to bring the remains of the victims home.
Bunibonibee Cree Nation Chief Timothy Muskego said funerals for the three adults are expected to take place on Monday.
"It was awful, it was terribly awful because I just can't imagine how the family felt," said Muskego.
Emergency crews were called to the wood home in the community, formally known as Oxford House, on Dec. 29.
Community members identified the victims as James Crane, his son Jamie Crane, and the family's cousin, Jastidee Sinclair.
The Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner said it was determined the fire was accidental and started near a wood stove.
Muskego said to the best of his knowledge, this is the first time a fire in the community has been fatal.
"It was very, very, very devastating to everybody in the community," he said.
Following the fire, Muskego told CBC News there is no water main or hydrants near the location where the fire started. That meant trucks were needed to haul water to the pumper truck to fight the flames.
He said this is a reminder of the need to continue advocating for more fire protection in all First Nations communities.
"In the past we have been talking to the federal government about the situation and we will continue to do so," said Muskego. "That will be my top priority…. It's a lot of work and I am determined to take that responsibility."
Bunibonibee Cree Nation is the home reserve of Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson, who represents northern First Nations as the head of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).
North Wilson has been lobbying for more fire protection on First Nations.
"When we finally lay the [people] to rest, we are going to have to look at that seriously and see where the gaps are and see where we need to do more in the community and identify the areas that are lacking," said North Wilson.