First Nations Leadership and NAN Grand Chief Declare State of Emergency on Flow of Illegal Drugs and Deaths in Communities
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) leadership are declaring a public State of Emergency following a drug related shooting incident that unfolded in Ginoogaming First Nation.
Tragically, and ironically, the incident comes in the midst of a forum convened by Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Nishnawbe Aski Police Services, and Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services to address the very crises that cause these situations, including gang infiltration, illegal drugs and drug-related violence that plague NAN First Nations. Leaders further addressed the urgent need for resources and mechanisms for First Nations to protect their borders and their community members.
Community members in Ginoogaming First Nation remain in lockdown following an active shooting yesterday. This declaration is a response to both this incident, alongside the escalating crisis across the territory. Notably absent from the conversation, were representatives from the federal and provincial governments, who were not in attendance at the Justice forum, despite being invited.
“For decades, the governments of Canada and Ontario have failed to uphold their shared responsibility for public safety in First Nations communities” said Alvin Fiddler, Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. “The time for studies, meetings, and excuses is over. The time for clear, responsible action is now, and we expect that action before there is an opportunity for any more violence in our communities.”
The push for resource development in NAN territory has made communities more vulnerable to external risk, specifically seeing increases in human trafficking, gang-related crime, and drug activity. NAPS reports an increase of more than 300% in cocaine and fentanyl seizures between 2023 and 2024, underscoring the scale and urgency of the crisis and need to protect community borders.
Despite repeated requests for resources to implement community-led solutions, governments have not provided the equipment, infrastructure, or funding required to protect borders, including airports in fly-in and remote communities. NAN Chiefs have previously supported a NAPS border control strategy to assist communities in protecting their entry points.
“This is our daily reality,” said Solomon Atlookan, Chief of Eabametoong First Nation. “Lives are being lost every day in our communities to shootings, to drugs, to violence. If these events were happening in southern Ontario, the response would be immediate and national. For us, there is silence.”
This emergency call is not made lightly, but comes at a critical moment where every day the risk to community safety is increasing. Both levels of government must immediately come to the table with ministers and senior officials to implement real solutions, including proper resourcing for border screening at points of entry such as airports, and sustained investments in prevention, and mental health and addictions supports.
“Our officers, our families, our Elders, our children, and our communities deserve the same safety and protection that is taken for granted elsewhere in Canada,” said Grand Chief Fiddler. “Our leadership is at the table doing the critical work to meaningfully address public safety issues. We need our counterparts in provincial and federal government to step up and do the same. We will not stand by to attend another funeral while governments hide behind jurisdiction.”
The Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation are united in their message. The lives of our people matter, and the governments must act now.
Today’s press conference can be viewed at www.youtube.com/@nishnawbeaskination
For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca