Information release State of Emergency – Community update

FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION (July 12, 2024) – At a Duly Convened Meeting on Monday, July 8, a Motion to Declare a State of Emergency was passed.

The Intention of the State of Emergency (The Declaration) is to create a broad community awareness related to the ongoing drug epidemic, which includes criminality, violence, and contributes to the tragic loss of lives. The Declaration will remain in force and effect until such a time that the crisis is stabilized to a level that is satisfactory to the Chief and Council.

Risk Management:

• Lack of funding and resources for additional policing and enforcement and/or deterrence.

• Lack of funding to develop a sustainable community critical incident response team model (to provide frontline and community debriefing).

• Lack of funding to recruit professional staff and traditional healers to work with community members and families in response to the unnecessary loss of lives, the result of continued supply of drugs and increased weapons coming into the community.

• Lack of recognition of First Nation laws that contribute to the safety and well-being of the community.

• Lack of funding to advance a land-based pre-treatment facility that is Indigenous-based and augmented with Western treatment modalities.

• Lack of professional personnel to assist with trauma and mental health.
• Lack of funding to advance a land-based after-care facility that is Indigenous-based and augmented with Western treatment modalities.

We are calling on government at all levels to increase funding and resources that will ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our community. Without vital support, we will continue to suffer the consequences of inaction. Our children’s children deserve better.

Chi miigwetch,

Chief Michele Solomon

Fort William First Nation
100 Little Lake Road, Suite 201
Phone: 807-623-9543 Ext.235
Email: MicheleSolomon@fwfn.com