The Keewatin Tribal Council, comprising 11 communities which include Shamattawa First Nation and God’s Lake First Nation, has declared a regional state of emergency in Northern Manitoba to accentuate the “dire” situations in the communities and propel immediate government action.
The tribal council has mentioned system-wide deficiencies in health services, public safety, and infrastructure as the reasons for the emergency.
The communities are addressing crises involving housing, cost of living, employment, and a lack of year-round roads and air service, which hinder access to health care and justice.
The tribal council has stated that the situation is getting worse each passing day and that avoidable issues like suicide, drugs, violence, and inadequate health care are causing deaths in the communities.
Walter Wastesicoot, the Grand Chief of the Keewatin Tribal Council, disclosed that lack of aircraft and pilots has caused important court delays, leaving the communities prone to further crimes. He stated that justice is delayed or denied, as such, offenders are not dealt with in a timely manner, remaining in the communities without adequate police resources.
The regional state of emergency has been placed indefinitely, with the expectation that it will draw attention to the urgent need for government’s action. The situation reflects the ongoing challenges encountered by Indigenous communities in Canada and the need for persistent efforts to tackle the root causes of social and economic inequality. Immediate action is required to tackle the crisis and ensure the safety of the Northern Manitoba communities.
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