Kashechewan leaders meeting in Ottawa after flooding on reserve

The leaders ofKashechewanFirst Nation are meeting with officials in Ottawa this week as 1,600 people remain displaced due to damage caused by floods on the reserve near James Bay.

The northern reserve was evacuated almost a month ago after flooding reached a state of emergency. Deputy Chief Amos Wesley said the community needs a permanent solution to the perennial problem.

"It's an ongoing issue. It seems inevitable that we are evacuated every year. It's very sad to see the faces of our children, especially our elders, when they have to go through that fear and stress," he said.

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Chief Derek Stephensaid more than 20 homes anda medical clinic are in major need of repairs. Leaders are scheduled to meetwith Health Canada officials on Friday to discuss when the clinic can be re-opened so that residents can return home. They met with officials from Aboriginal Affairs on Thursday.

"Every spring we realize the dangers of living in our area," Stephen said. "We're just sick and tired of being evacuated and using taxpayer dollars. We hate seeing it all go to waste."

Kashechewan is positioned on a low-lying areaalong the Albany River.

A $500-million relocationwas one of three options on the table in 2007. In the end, the communitysignedan agreement with the federal government fora $200-million plan to reinforce the reserve.