Pikangikum fatal house fire: Nishnawbe Aski Nation sets up emergency relief fund

An emergency relief fund has been set up for the community of Pikangikum First Nation after nine people died in ahouse fire in the remote northwestern Ontario First Nation last week.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation made the announcement Tuesday after the First Nation's chief and council have been "overwhelmed" by offers of support.

"To simplify things we have established the PikangikumEmergency Relief Fund to accept monetary donations, 100 per cent of which will be providedto the community to help meet their needs," NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said.

"We greatly appreciate all offers of assistance and we thank everyone for keeping the people of Pikangikum in their thoughts and prayers."

The nine victims range in age from five months to 51 years old, and all died of smoke inhalation after the fire broke out last Tuesday.

In a news release Monday, Ontario Provincial Police identified the victims as:

• Dean Strang, 51
• Annette Strang, 49
• Gilbert Strang, 31
• Sylvia Peters, 41
• Dietrich Peters, 35
• Faith Strang, 24
• Ireland Peters, 4
• Aubree Strang, 2
• Amber Strang, 5 months

The cause of the fire, which started late last Tuesday, has not yet been determined. An investigation is continuing, but police said foul play is not suspected.

Donations to the "Pikangikum Emergency Relief Fund" can be made at Scotiabank, AccountNumber 717870024813. Donations will also be accepted at the NAN Administrative Office,710 Victoria Avenue East, Thunder Bay, Ont.

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