Long Lake #58 First Nation Chief John O’Nabigon expressed deep sorrow and frustration following the recent death of a young community member due to a drug overdose. This tragic loss marks the third young life lost to drugs this year, highlighting the ongoing drug crisis affecting the community.
In response to what he perceives as a lack of action from government authorities, Chief O’Nabigon has taken proactive steps by hiring an Indigenous-operated security company to implement community checkpoints. This decision follows the declaration of a state of emergency earlier this year due to drug traffickers supplying vulnerable members in the community.
Neighboring Ginoogaming First Nation has also faced similar challenges, prompting Chief Sheri Taylor to emphasize the urgency of addressing the escalating violence and drug-related crimes affecting the community. Despite multiple state of emergency declarations, government and policing partners have not adequately addressed the concerns raised by the communities.
The Anishinabek Police Service (APS) reported an increase in drug trafficking activities originating from the Greater Toronto Area, leading to arrests and drug seizures. Meanwhile, the RCMP reiterated its commitment to collaborating with Indigenous leadership and policing agencies to combat organized crime and enhance community safety.
Both Long Lake #58 and Ginoogaming are part of the Thunder Bay district, which has a significantly high opioid-related death rate compared to the provincial average. Chief O’Nabigon has urged senior federal and provincial leaders, the OPP, and the RCMP to take immediate and coordinated action in response to the trafficking of dangerous drugs into the community.
In light of the challenges faced, Ginoogaming passed a community protection order bylaw and enlisted the services of Anishinaabe Ambassadors Inc. to address illegal drug activities. Long Lake #58 has followed suit by hiring the same security group to set up community checkpoints. While these measures have shown positive outcomes in Ginoogaming, Chief Taylor emphasized the need for additional support, acknowledging the financial burden on the First Nation.
Both chiefs underscored the importance of providing professional services within the community to address addiction and promote community well-being. Their collective hope is for accountability for drug dealers and continued community support during these trying times.