Answers Needed as Ebb and Flow Citizen Dies in Manitoba’s Overflowing ICU System – Grand Chief Daniels
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is expressing condolences over the loss of Krystal Mousseau. The 31-year-old member of Ebb and Flow First Nation was a beloved mother of two, and a daughter, sister, auntie and community member. Krystal died Monday in Brandon, following an attempted medical transfer to an ICU in Ontario due to a shortage of ICU beds in Manitoba’s health care system.
“My sincerest, heartfelt condolences go out to Krystal’s family on the heartbreaking loss of our relation,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We must do all we can to care for them during this incredibly difficult time.”
At the time of this release, Manitoba had sent no less than 23 critically ill patients from intensive care units to hospitals in Ontario. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan has confirmed it will receive a limited number of critical-care patients from Manitoba.
Manitoba is currently facing a deadly third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, epidemiologists, infectious disease experts and other health care professionals have warned that case numbers and hospitalization rates were racing towards the projected worst-case scenario with many asking for increased restrictions.
“Krystal’s death is one more tragic life taken by a pandemic that has impacted First Nations citizens and communities disproportionately,” continued Grand Chief Daniels. “Not only was Krystal dealing with decades of colonial based health care inequities faced by First Nation people, she was also being treated in Manitoba’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) system which is facing an unprecedented crisis. I pray that no more lives are lost because of the dire situation Manitoba now finds itself in.”
SCO will await the final details from an investigation into Krystal’s death and will act accordingly. Meanwhile all efforts will be made to support her family and the members of Ebb and Flow First Nation.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 80,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For Media Inquiries:
Vic Savino, Communications Officer, Southern Chiefs’ Organization
(204) 881-4512 | Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca