State of emergency declared in Lac Seul First Nation
After several “devastating losses” among local youth since July, Lac Seul First Nation’s band council has declared a state of emergency.
“I feel very emotionally drained,” Chief Clifford Bull said Friday, the day after Lac Seul chief and council unanimously approved a nearly three-page resolution.
The resolution concludes by saying a state of emergency is declared “out of love for our children, responsibility to our families, and determination to protect the sacredness of life.”
“We call upon all levels of government, partners and service providers to stand with us — not tomorrow, but today,” it says.
“All services and actions will be in consultation with and under the direction of Lac Seul Chief and Council to ensure the community needs are prioritized and met on an ongoing basis.”
The resolution says the loss of many young Lac Seul members to suicide, addictions and mental-health crises in recent months has “caused significant emotional and spiritual distress throughout the community, impacting families, friends and the overall wellness of Lac Seul First Nation.”
Among other things, the resolution calls for immediate mental-health support, community wellness initiatives and “youth-focused interventions.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation declared a state of emergency for its member First Nations in early October after a fatal drug-related shooting in Ginoogaming, Bull noted.
Lac Seul has been “experiencing some very hard times,” he said.
“It started around July, and we had a rash of suicides — I believe around eight associated with mental illness and addictions and things of that nature.”
The problem has been exacerbated by “gangs coming in from southern Ontario and … selling their drugs and hiding out in homes,” he said.
“And so we decided among ourselves that we should make our own independent emergency declaration.”
A community notice has been circulated in Lac Seul. – nwonewswatch.com
article website here
Sooo what is Lac Seul First Nation? This from their website:
About Lac Seul First Nation
Lac Seul First Nation’s geographical location is in Northwestern Ontario, approximately 38 kilometers northwest of Sioux Lookout. Total membership population is at 3,452 based on INAC’s May 2017 records. Thirty percent of the memberships are on reserve residents.
Lac Seul First Nation is distinct because it is the only First Nation in the Sioux Lookout District with four ( 4 ) communities. Kejick Bay, Canoe River and Whitefish Bay are located on the north shores of the Lac Seul Watershed System and Frenchman’s Head on the Lost Lake is part of the English River System.
There is paved road access to Frenchman’s Head, Kejick Bay and Whitefish Bay. Canoe River Kejick Bay is accessible by air, boat, or snowmobile. The communities are some distance apart. Frenchman’s Head road is approximately 9 km from the town of Hudson, accessing via Highway 664. Kejick Bay is 21 km north-northwest of Frenchman’s Head. Whitefish Bay is in close proximity to Kejick Bay at a distance of 2 km to the southwest. Canoe River is 2 km to the northeast from Kejick Bay.
Lac Seul First Nation’s four communities have modern infrastructures with medical clinics, schools, recreational facilities, a full police service, band administrative offices and warehouse buildings, churches, a water treatment plant and ground water supply units, tourist camps and a few small businesses. Each community, expect Canoe River, has access to hydro, running water and communication services. The nearby town of Sioux Lookout serves as the main centre for commerce and government services but does not limit the people from traveling and doing business elsewhere.
Mission Statement
To lead Obishikokaang Nation in becoming a strong, vibrant, and self-sufficient community where the needs of all members are respected.
Vision Statement
Obishikokaang Nation is a strong, healthy, and economically prosperous community committed to self-sufficiency, good governance, service equity, and fairness for all of its members.
Location Population Kejick Bay 293 Whitefish Bay 150 Frenchman’s Head 491 On-Reserve 934 Off- Reserve 2,508 Total 3,452 website here
OK. As of 2017, the reserve consists of three communities. 934 living in the communities with the largest consisting of 491 residents. There are 2,508 living outside of the reserve.
How does the Lac Seul First Nation administration controls the people living outside the reserve? What is their responsibility to those people?
Drug problems ON the reserve or OUTSIDE of the reserve? Not exactly the same thing.
People living in Sioux Lookout, Kenora or Dryden fall under the laws of those towns. No?
Sooo is the Sate of Emergency being called on ta population of 934?
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