Shamattawa First Nation declares state of emergency

Press Release

March 13, 2023

Treaty 5 Territory-Today the Shamattawa First Nation has declared a state of emergency after a series of suicides and the continued deterioration of social conditions in the community.

“We had no other option than to ask for assistance,” said Shamattawa Chief Jordna Hill. “What people don’t realize is that this has been an issue for a long time and what you’re seeing today is the result.”

The combined issues of lack of housing, fire safety and the effects of residential schools continue to have on the families of the community have manifested into violence, addiction and ultimately death.

MKO has responded to the crisis by dispatching their Mobile Crisis Response Team in addition to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Unit and the Child Welfare Secretariat to work with the families in the community as they continue to work to help stabilize the situation.

“Today we’re calling on the Federal Government to immediately assist Shamattawa with housing, allocation of funds sufficient to properly equip their fire department so they have what they need to respond to fires in a safe manner,” said MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

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For more information:

Philip Paul-Martin

Communications Officer

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak

Phone:204-612-1284

Email:philip.paul.martin@mkonorth.com

IHT5