Long Lake #58 First Nation Chief John O’Nabigon expressed deep sorrow and frustration after the recent loss of a young community member due to a drug overdose. This marks the third drug-related death of a young person in the community this year. O’Nabigon, based in northwestern Ontario, emphasized the tragic impact of the ongoing drug crisis on his community and criticized the perceived lack of action from government authorities.
In response to the situation, O’Nabigon has taken proactive measures by hiring an Indigenous-operated security firm to implement checkpoints within the community. The decision follows the declaration of a state of emergency earlier this year due to concerns about drug trafficking affecting vulnerable members of Long Lake #58 and neighboring Ginoogaming First Nation.
Ginoogaming’s Chief Sheri Taylor highlighted the urgency of the issue, emphasizing the need for swift and effective responses from governmental and law enforcement agencies. Despite repeated emergency declarations, Taylor lamented the insufficient support from provincial and federal partners in addressing the communities’ security concerns.
The communities of Long Lake #58 and Ginoogaming, both part of the Thunder Bay district, continue to grapple with high rates of opioid-related deaths compared to the provincial average. O’Nabigon urged senior government officials and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on a coordinated response to combat the influx of dangerous drugs into their communities.
Anishinabek Police Service (APS) reported intercepting drugs trafficked from the Greater Toronto Area, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by Indigenous communities in combating drug-related crimes. The RCMP affirmed its commitment to collaborating with Indigenous leadership to combat organized crime and ensure community safety.
In a bid to enhance community safety, Ginoogaming enacted a community protection order bylaw and engaged a security group, Anishinaabe Ambassadors Inc., to deter illegal drug activities. Long Lake #58 also enlisted the same security firm to establish checkpoints within its vicinity, aiming to replicate the successful security measures implemented in Ginoogaming.
Despite the positive impact of the security initiatives, both communities have incurred additional costs to bolster their security measures. O’Nabigon stressed the importance of expanding professional services within the communities to address addiction issues locally and reduce the need for community members to seek treatment elsewhere.
The ultimate goal for both First Nations is to hold drug dealers accountable for their actions, support community members in need, and foster solidarity during times of adversity.