Manitoba First Nation declares state of emergency after recent deaths

A northern Manitoba First Nation has declared a state of emergency following a string of recent deaths caused by addictions and mental-health issues.

The community is calling on the provincial and federal governments to provide immediate support for the community of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation.

“The most recent deaths has a great impact on our people, and right now we are trying to cope,” said Chief Shirley Ducharme.

O-Pipon-Na-Piwin, also known as South Indian Lake, is more than 1,000 kilometres north of Winnipeg. And it’s in the midst of a crisis.

Three people have died in the last two weeks. Chief Ducharme is requesting immediate assistance to help people battling trauma, addiction and mental-health issues.

“When they do come back, there isn’t anything there for them,” said Ducharme. “It seems to be like a cycle and we don’t want to see that. We want something that is ongoing for our nation to heal.”

Ducharme wants to see a healing centre built in her community, so people can get help closer to home. She says residents are waiting between six months to a year to get treatment in the community.

“I’m hoping we can address and have our people come forth to begin the healing journey,” she said.

“This is going to take time. It’s going to be a long journey for healing.”

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) has deployed its mobile crisis response team to the community. The all-Indigenous team provides trauma support.

Greg Fontaine, the response team’s program manager, says two members will be spending a minimum of three weeks in the community.

“We often look for those that are in need of support, provide well-being checks on the community and we work our way from the family, outward,” said Fontaine. “One visit is never enough, and we are always going back to provide our continuity of care.”

The team has been a vital asset in assisting Manitoba First Nation communities when a crisis emerges.

In May 2021, Shamattawa First Nation, located 750 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, declared a state of emergency due to a suicide crisis. The MKO team made it out to provide supports to community members.

“Our team of dedicated responders are there and continue to respond to the First Nations whenever we are asked to go,” said Fontaine. “We are there to work for the people, we are there to work for our leaders, our sovereign nations in Manitoba and that’s how we view the work we do.”

Chief Ducharme says she hopes her community doesn’t get overlooked and forgotten about by the government when it comes to requesting the proper resources and supports.

“When there is a community in crisis, automatically these needs identified should be taken into consideration,” she said.

“We struggle as a First Nation to help our people.”