Aamjiwnaang First Nation urges calm following state of emergency declaration [Video]

Aamjiwnaang First Nation is urging community members to remain calm after declaring a  state of emergency Thursday.

More than a week after shuttering its office saying several people had fallen ill with symptoms including headaches, nausea and dizziness, the First Nation declared a state of emergency over what it calls the “ongoing and excessive” discharge of benzene it says is from a nearby industrial facility.

“Aamjiwnaang members, do not be alarmed at tonight’s State of Emergency declaration. This is a formality in a process that allows council to acquire additional resources to assist staff and members,” said Chief Chris Plain in a post on Facebook. 

“We do understand the seriousness of this incident and recognize the community concerns, as they are all of ours.”

The First Nation blames INEOS Styrolution, a plastics chemical plant located in Sarnia, Ont., across the street from the First Nation’s office.