By James Bowler

First Nation comes together after girl’s death in fire

Mar 6, 2014 | 5:35 AM

Members in the community of Witchekan Lake First Nation have come together to help support the family of 10-year-old Iesha Rabbitskin, according to the Chief Steven Jim. 

He mentioned that other First Nations communities have donated to the family as well, including a new washer and dryer.

Rabbitskin lost her life after a fire started in her grandfather’s home where she and her parents were sleeping Sunday morning. 

According to her uncle Shane Witchekan, the fire was likely caused by an electric heater. This has not been confirmed by the RCMP.

Witchekan was away from the home at the time of the fire and has not been in contact with his brother, Iesha’s stepfather, or his own father who, he said, is in Shellbrook Hospital, after suffering severe smoke inhalation.

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“He’s in the hospital and I’m not sure how he’s doing, but I just hope he’s okay,” said Witchekan.

He said he hoped to see his brother as soon as possible.

“I’m going to see him soon, whenever I can,” said Witchekan.

He also expressed his concern about the First Nation's fire services. “There’s not really any firefighters in the winter time,” he said.

The RCMP has not released any details on the investigation of the fire, except to say that remains were discovered in the home. However, they would not confirm that they were that of Iesha Rabbitskin.

Jim said that grief counsellors have been at her school all week.

A small memorial has been set up at the front entrance of Kisikohk School, with Rabbitskin’s picture in the centre and signed by all of her classmates.

Jim said he could not comment further on the matter without speaking to the family first, which he hoped to do soon.

Rabbitskin is the fourth child who has died this year in a house fire on a First Nation in Saskatchewan. 

An autopsy will be held on Thursday.

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim