Pictured above: Neskantaga residents take part in bingo

Residents of Neskantaga First Nation, ON, were treated to a fun-filled day of bingo and festivities, to help brighten their spirits.  

The community of Neskantaga First Nation (Lansdowne House) has been dealing with a boil water advisory since 1995. This past October, when an oily substance was detected in their water reservoir, water taps were shut off and residents had to be evacuated to Thunder Bay, ON.

Living temporarily in Thunder Bay hotels left Neskantaga residents feeling stressed, due to COVID-19 concerns and the situation of their community’s water supply.

North Star Air (NSA) hosted two bingos for the residents to take part in on November 7 – in Thunder Bay. The afternoon bingo, geared towards youth, featured family friendly activities, delicious pizza, a local magician performance and prizes. During the evening, Neskantaga Elders and adults were also treated to a fun bingo featuring live music, dinner and prizes, plus lots of laughter.

Numerous community partners, including Lansdowne House Northern, were happy to show support by donating prizes and other items for giveaways.

Pictured above: Bingo prizes await their winners, including a smart TV donated by the local Northern store

North Star Air was pleased to host the two fun and engaging bingos. “We wanted to make it a magical and fun-filled day for our friends in their time of need,” said Maureen Massaro, Director of Passenger Services for North Star Air.

Mark Blake, The North West Company’s Director, Sales and Operations, James Bay District, was also pleased to have shown company support.

“This year has been unique and challenging in so many ways for everyone, but to have the extra stress of the evacuation as we approach the holidays is an additional challenge for community members. NSA wanted to give community members an opportunity to enjoy themselves during this time, and Northern also wanted to partner with them on this,” said Blake.