When Candice Maracle heard about the contaminated water crisis affecting native residents of the James Bay Kashechwan reserves, she decided she needed to help.
“You have to think that kids have been in shelters for two weeks, living in airports,” said Maracle, who is president of U of T’s Native Students Association. Maracle “put the word out” in her classes and on the NSA’s listserv, and was surprised by the response she got.
“I was in class and she said they’d need skates and hockey equipment, and I said, done,” said Mike Mahkwaauksi, hoisting a duffel bag full of his own gear and several hockey sticks ready to be driven to Sudbury in Maracle’s car, along with toys, cash, and even moosemeat.
It has so far been students who have found ways to help with the crisis, while U of T officials haven’t “reached out by any stretch,” said Maracle.
As she’s speaking, Melanie Jeffrey of the Medical Students’ Association slips $40 into her hand.
“I know we’re a little further away, but we can still help,” said Maracle. Amen.
