The community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg lived through a huge loss in July 2021, when we lost 2 of our community members in a tragic situation. Shannon Ferguson, age 44 was killed by her son, Patrick ,  age14, who later lost his life that same night in a car accident in the near by town of kazabazua. Shannon's remaining living child,  Abigail,  age 17, was left behind to deal with this tragic loss of her mother and brother. Shannon resided in a band owned rental unit for 12 years before this tragic incident occurred. When she moved in,  Abigail was 5 years old. At the beginning of her stay she and many others were told that a rent to own program was being established by the band so that community members with limited resources could eventually be home owners too. A few years passed and the council decided not to go on with the program. Regardless of their decision,  Shannon continued to pursue the rent to own option by attending numerous meetings and voiced her opinions on numerous occasions. She and many others invested money and time into their homes. Thinking it would eventually be theirs. But to everyone's dismay,  the councils refused to do the work. 

Today, we ask for your help.  This week Abigails father requested to be able to purchase the home. He was refused. The chief and council are planning on evicting Abigail from the only home she's ever known. And we cannot let this happen. 

These homes belong to the people. And the people have the right to decide if Abigail should be able to stay and own her Moms home. This home,  belonged to Shannon. Even though it is legally a band house,  it is Shannon's house.  There has never ever been another renter in that house besides Shannon. She has been the only one. And evicting her daughter Abigail and forcing her to say good bye to the only home she's ever known on top of everything she's been through is not OK. It's not acceptable. That's why we ask you today to sign the petition to sell Abigail the house her mom lived and invested her whole life into. So she can have a somewhat stable and normal life. So she can have that last piece of her mom with her,  forever. Unfortunately at this time,  only band members of Kitigan Zibi can sign the petition. Only the band members together can override the council decision. But we do appreciate the support of everyone. Thank you all for your support.