John O’Nabigon expressed deep sorrow and frustration after losing another young member of the Long Lake #58 First Nation community to a drug overdose. The Chief, located in northwestern Ontario, has taken proactive measures following the third drug-related death this year.
In response to the ongoing drug crisis affecting the community, O’Nabigon hired an Indigenous security company to implement checkpoints after declaring a state of emergency earlier in the year due to drug traffickers supplying vulnerable members.
Ginoogaming First Nation, in partnership with Long Lake #58, also declared a joint state of emergency over rising violence and drug-related crimes, leading to a sense of fear and insecurity among community members. Despite these emergency declarations, governmental and policing partners have not adequately addressed the communities’ concerns.
Both communities, with familial ties, have been advocating for stronger enforcement, increased resources, and a coordinated response to combat drug trafficking. With Long Lake #58 served by the Ontario Provincial Police and Ginoogaming overseen by the Anishinabek Police Service, the Thunder Bay district continues to face a high opioid-related death rate, significantly surpassing the provincial average.
Efforts to address the crisis have been ongoing, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative action at all levels of government to tackle the influx of dangerous drugs into the communities.