John O’Nabigon expressed deep sorrow and frustration at the recent loss of a young community member to a drug overdose. The chief of Long Lake #58 First Nation, situated approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario, is taking decisive steps following the third drug-related fatality among young individuals this year.
In a message to the community, O’Nabigon described the loss as tragic and emphasized the ongoing drug crisis affecting their community. Disheartened by what he perceives as a lack of action from government authorities, O’Nabigon has enlisted an Indigenous-operated security firm to establish checkpoints within the community.
This move follows Long Lake #58’s declaration of a state of emergency in January due to concerns about drug traffickers supplying vulnerable members within their community. Additionally, the community, in collaboration with the neighboring Ginoogaming First Nation, declared a joint state of emergency this spring over the same issue, citing familial ties between the two communities.
Chief Sheri Taylor of Ginoogaming First Nation highlighted a decrease in security incidents since engaging Anishinaabe Ambassadors Inc. earlier this year. Despite the series of emergency declarations, Taylor expressed disappointment in the lack of response from provincial, federal, and law enforcement partners to address the communities’ pressing concerns.
Long Lake #58, with a population of just over 560 individuals and served by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Ginoogaming, with more than 200 residents under the oversight of the Anishinabek Police Service (APS), are both located in the Thunder Bay district. This region continues to grapple with a significantly high rate of opioid-related deaths, nearly five times the provincial average, according to data from the Office of the Chief Coroner released recently.
Chief O’Nabigon reiterated the community’s calls for stronger enforcement, increased resources, and a coordinated response from all levels of government and policing agencies to combat the influx of dangerous drugs into their community.
