NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION, Ont. — Citing an epidemic of drug addiction and the breakdown of the community's water system, North Spirit Lake First Nation has declared a State of Emergency.
Chief Caroline Keesic says the remote Oji-Cree community, about 530 km north of Thunder Bay, is in a state of "widespread crisis."
An influx of drugs, and breakdowns in vital infrastructure, have left her people suffering, she said.
"We are beyond our ability to respond with the necessary supports. We had no choice but to call this State of Emergency as we require an immediate response from the appropriate federal and provincial agencies."
In an announcement Thursday, the First Nation's council said essential services such as power and water have been interrupted due to a lack of operational personnel.
""North Spirit Lake leadership, community workers, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers and nursing staff are operating at maximum capacity. There is no doubt that the crisis situation will worsen without a coordinated effort by all...to deploy critical resources and relief," the statement said.
It noted a recent influx of drugs into the community, leading to a significant shortage of services and resources.
Sol Mamakwa, the MPP for Kiiwetinoong and the NDP Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation critic, called on the Ontario government Thursday to step in immediately to provide assistance.
Mamakwa said teachers and nurses have been forced to leave the community because of a lack of basic services.
"Families have been dealing with a breakdown of electricity and power while their sewage system backs up due to faulty pipes and pumps," he said.
Mamakwa said the local elementary school was forced to haul water from the lake last winter to power the school's sewage system, and had to shorten school days due to health concerns for students.
He said the Ford government should stop "using the excuse of jurisdiction" to not step forward during the crisis.
North Spirit Lake is about 170 km north of Red Lake, and is accessible only by air and seasonal winter roads.
