Charity Provides Menstrual Products to Kashechewan Evacuees

A charity dedicated to supplying menstrual products to remote First Nations is engaging with the community of Kashechewan following a severe water crisis. Moon Time Connections has confirmed its readiness to assist evacuees by providing essential menstrual products as needed. Veronica Brown, the education director and Ontario chapter lead, stated, “For the evacuees we’re able to supply menstrual products to wherever they’re evacuated.” The organization previously assisted evacuees from fires in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba during the summer.

On January 4, 2024, Chief Hosea Wesley declared a state of emergency for Kashechewan First Nation after the local water treatment plant ceased operations due to defective pumps responsible for mixing treatment chemicals. This situation has forced approximately 1,900 of the community’s 2,300 residents to evacuate, highlighting the urgent need for essential supplies, including menstrual products.

Health Risks Associated with Water Crisis

The lack of access to clean water poses serious health risks, particularly for individuals experiencing menstruation. Veronica Brown emphasized the heightened risk of infections due to inadequate hygiene. “There is an increased chance of risk of getting different infections,” she noted. In severe cases, poor hygiene practices can lead to toxic shock syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by bacterial infections.

As evacuations progressed, Kashechewan’s executive director, Tyson Wesley, reported that 26 individuals from the community tested positive for cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and abdominal pain. Although the condition typically resolves with rest and hydration, those with weakened immune systems, infants, and seniors may require antimicrobial treatment.

Indigenous Services Canada has stated that the source of the cryptosporidium contamination is currently unknown. Water samples from the treatment plant have been sent to a facility in the Durham region of southern Ontario for analysis, with results expected by January 30, 2024.

Long-standing Commitment to Community Support

Since its inception in 2017, Moon Time Connections has delivered over 11 million menstrual products to First Nations communities across Canada. The charity’s efforts underscore the critical importance of accessibility to menstrual health supplies, particularly during emergencies.

As the situation in Kashechewan continues to evolve, the collaboration between local leadership and organizations like Moon Time Connections highlights a community-driven approach to addressing urgent needs. The ongoing dialogue with evacuees ensures that essential supplies reach those affected, emphasizing the importance of health and hygiene in crisis situations.