Fundraiser launched for First Nation community where house fire killed 9 people

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Aboriginal elders are appealing for donations to help the remote Pikangikum First Nation in northwestern Ontario where a house fire that killed nine people — three of them children — last week.

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation says there has been an outpouring of offers of support but they are difficult for the community to co-ordinate.

In a statement, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says the emergency fund was set up to accept monetary donations, all of which will go to Pikangikum to help meet its needs.

The community was devastated by the fire last week that killed Dean Strang, 51, Annette Strang, 49, Gilbert Strang, 31, Sylvia Peters, 41, Dietrich Peters, 35, Faith Strang, 24, Ireland Peters, 4, Aubree Strang, 2 and Amber Strang, who was five months old.

Donations to the “Pikangikum Emergency Relief Fund” can be made at any Scotiabank under account number 717870024813.