“No Time to Spare,” MPP Mamakwa calls for urgent government response to Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg’s State of Emergency

QUEEN’S PARK - NDP Deputy Leader and critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations Sol Mamakwa stands with Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation in their advocacy to be serviced equitably in policing and in addressing the mental health crisis faced by the community.

“There is no time to spare when it comes to public safety in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation,” MPP Mamakwa said. “The leadership of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg has made it clear that lives are on the line and the already-dire situation is bound to worsen if the Government does not take immediate action.”

“Once again, we are seeing a First Nation in Ontario in crisis because the Government does not hold public safety in First Nations to the same standard as anywhere else in the province. It is both appalling and shameful that when a young man was beaten and held at gunpoint, a call for help in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg did not garner a response for four hours.”

“Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg has taken many steps to address this crisis internally, but their capacity is finite – they have strained their community resources and incurred millions in debt, and more action continues to be urgently needed. Luckily for the government, the solutions to this crisis are known. The Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg leadership has outlined measures which the government can take to restore peace and security in the community while saving lives.”

“The question is, will the Government listen to the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg leadership and take the action requested of them or will they continue to neglect public safety in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg at the costs of human lives?”.

Quick Facts:

• This morning, the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation Chief, Council, and Leadership declared a State of Emergency and expressed the need for urgent relief with support from the government to address the policing and mental health crisis.
• An investigator has confirmed to Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg that three organized gangs are involved in illicit drug sales in the community.
• The call rate for police services in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg is 1.44 calls per person. With around 350 residents in the community, this call rate is 35 times higher than the closest major city of Thunder Bay.