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Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige

Anishinabek Nation renews State of Emergency declaration over safety, crime concerns

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The Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly have renewed their territories’ State of Emergency declaration.

According to the First Nation organization, the declaration was made in response to the continual inequitable funding for policing, citing an escalating public safety crisis that continues to threaten the well-being of citizens of the 39 Anishinabek Nation member First Nations.

“Our Anishinabek citizens are not second-class citizens; they deserve the same level of safety and security as every other person in Canada. Our citizens deserve equitable resources and support, which can be achieved by supporting adequate policing services to ensure the security and justice our citizens need,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige.

“We will not suffer in silence. The Chiefs-in-Assembly stand united in defence of our people, rights, and future. The federal and provincial governments must address the existing systemic barriers and discriminatory practices that continue to hinder the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

Some of the concerns highlighted in the declaration include:

  • Widespread drug trafficking and organized crime activity
  • Rising violence and threats targeting community members, elders, and youth
  • Chronic underfunding of First Nations policing services
  • A growing mental health and addictions emergency

The State of Emergency was first declared in the summer of 2023.

The Anishinabek Nation is calling on the federal government to:

  • Immediately begin negotiations with First Nation police services administration to ensure adequate funding models to address current drug trafficking, organized crime activity
  • Support the co-development of a community-led Anishinabek Nation Police Public Safety Strategy
  • Begin the process of recognition of First Nation policing as an essential service
  • Bring an immediate resolution to the Human Rights Complaint involving First Nations and police services
Lac Seul Police Service Seizure results

Police response to domestic disturbance leads to drug charges in Lac Seul First Nation

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A police response to a domestic disturbance in Frenchman’s Head, a part of Lac Seul First Nation, has led to charges.

Officers were sent to a home on Wednesday in response to a call for assistance.

When officers arrived, they arrested a woman following an investigation.

The individual was on bail at the time for prior drug offences.

A man present at the home was also arrested for impeding the police investigation.

A search of the accused at the police station led to the discovery of illegal drugs in their possession.

Further investigation led to a search of the home where the arrests occurred, leading to the discovery of various illegal drugs, cash, and a replica gun.

As a result, a 24-year-old is facing the following charges:

  • Possession of a Schedule One substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
  • Failure to comply with a release order (four charges)
  • Possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Domestic mischief
  • Unauthorized possession of a weapon
  • Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order

A 37-year-old is also facing the following charges:

  • Possession of a Schedule One drug for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
  • Obstruct a peace officer
  • Possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a weapon

Both of the accused remain in custody with a future court date.

The Lac Seul Police Service is continuing to investigate the situation.

Ornge logo

Wapekeka First Nation launches new community-led Emergency First Response Team

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A remote First Nation in northwestern Ontario has a new program aimed at supporting community safety.

Wapekeka First Nation has announced the launch of its new community-led Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) program.

The program will feature a paid team of trained emergency first responders, equipped to handle urgent medical situations within the community.

Responders will utilize a new transport-capable vehicle and essential medical equipment, while undergoing ongoing training and oversight provided by Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and critical care transport services.

“This is an important development for Wapekeka,” says Chief Brennan Sainnawap. “By leading our own emergency response efforts, we are taking meaningful action to protect the health and well-being of our people.”

All training for the program is being delivered by Ornge, which assumed responsibility for the Regional Training Coordinator program, which supports Indigenous-led EFRTs in primarily Northern Ontario First Nations communities, earlier this month.

The training program is being supported by a $10 million investment from the Ontario government.

“We’re proud to support Wapekeka’s Emergency First Response Team and look forward to seeing similar programs thrive in other communities,” said Ornge’s Director of Emergency First Response Teams, Jeff Gunner.

“Available 24/7, 365 days a year, these community-led teams will be ready to respond quickly to local emergencies.”

The EFRT education program is designed to empower community-based responders with the skills and confidence to manage medical emergencies until professional care arrives.

Training will be culturally relevant and hands-on, tailored to the unique realities of remote and northern communities.

The program also includes support for records management and data collection.