Security Measures Taken by Northern Ontario First Nations

“I am heartbroken, and I’m angry.”

Those are the words John O’Nabigon shared over the weekend after losing another young community member to a drug overdose.

The chief of Long Lake #58 First Nation, situated about 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario, is taking steps after the third drug-related death of a young person this year.

“This loss is tragic and is another painful reminder of the ongoing drug crisis affecting our community,” he wrote in a statement to his community.

Frustrated by what he sees as lack of action from various levels of government, O’Nabigon has now brought on an Indigenous-run security company to set up checkpoints within the community.

State of emergency

This move follows Long Lake #58 declaring a state of emergency in January regarding “drug traffickers who are supplying to vulnerable members in our community.”

This spring, the community also declared a joint state of emergency with neighboring Ginoogaming First Nation over the same issue. The communities share many familial connections.

Chief Sheri Taylor from Ginoogaming First Nation mentioned that her community has experienced fewer security incidents since hiring Anishinaabe Ambassadors Inc. this spring. (Submitted by Matawa First Nations Management)

“These types of losses that we’ve been having in our communities, especially among our young people, we should not be losing them at such a rapid [rate],” Ginoogaming’s Chief Sheri Taylor told on Thursday.

Ginoogaming first declared a state of emergency in May 2024 “due to an increase in violence and drug and alcohol-related crime in the community, which has overwhelmed leadership and is causing community members to fear for their safety.”

Despite multiple emergency declarations being issued, Taylor states provincial, federal and policing partners have not addressed the communities’ concerns effectively.

“I find government tends to think that a state of emergency or an emergency is temporary,” Taylor said. “Some funding that might be available to address maybe an immediate need is not what I call taking us away or out of a crisis.”

A little over 560 individuals reside in Long Lake #58, which is policed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), while more than 200 people live in Ginoogaming, where policing falls under the Anishinabek Police Service (APS).

Both communities are part of the Thunder Bay district, which continues to report the highest opioid-related death rate in Ontario-nearly five times higher than the provincial average-according to statistics released earlier this month by the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Naloxone kits, which can be used to reverse effects from an opioid overdose, are displayed on a table at a community event held in Thunder Bay, Ont., back in July 2026. The Thunder Bay district still holds the highest opioid-related death rate in Ontario. (Sarah Law/CBC)

“Since declaring a state of emergency, chief and council have repeatedly called on all levels of government and policing agencies for stronger enforcement, greater resources, and coordinated response to tackle trafficking dangerous drugs into our community,” O’Nabigon wrote.

“We will once again be writing to senior federal and provincial leaders, OPP officials, and RCMP officers demanding an immediate and coordinated response.”

Drugs trafficked from GTA

A spokesperson for APS provided an emailed statement to on Thursday saying “drug traffickers importing violence to prey on vulnerable individuals within First Nations communities isn’t something new.”

“With increasing frequency, Anishinabek Police Service (APS) officers are intercepting drugs being moved north from Greater Toronto Area along with related arrests and seizures connected to Project Corridor,” communications lead Jennifer Hartman stated.

“Front-line APS officers continue working alongside our Major Crime Unit directly supporting Ginoogaming First Nation through focused enforcement efforts and intelligence-driven investigations.”

The Anishinabek Police Service (APS) reports they have been increasingly stopping drugs being transported northward from Greater Toronto Area. (Erik White/CBC)

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An email sent by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) spokesperson highlighted that Long Lake #58’s “initiative aimed at bringing together partners for coordinated approaches toward community safety represents strong progress moving forward.”

Long Lake #58 secured over $1.3 million dollars last fiscal year dedicated toward mental wellness programming services along with maintaining a mental wellness team funded jointly through provincial federal channels according to ISC’s Jacinthe Goulet.

They’re starting to listen to us now and hearing us.- Chief John O’Nabigon , Long Lake #58 First Nation

has also reached out seeking comments from provincial officials , OPP , RCMP , awaiting their responses.

O’Nabigon mentioned he’s had constructive discussions recently with OPP stressing importance around increased monitoring visibility intelligence collection as well as effective policing within Long Lake #58.

“They’re starting actually listen us now starting hear us” , O’Nabigon shared during conversation with Thursday.

‘A right for protection’

Taking initiative into own hands Ginoogaming enacted local protective order through passing bylaws May while bringing on security group named Anishinaabe Ambassadors Inc. to help curb illegal drug activities.

“Under treaty we hold right ensure protection throughout our territory real gaps exist no guarantee security present. Thus as unified body following declaration made concerning state emergencies finding those extra supports felt necessary due absence police support ” , Taylor explained.

Ginoogaming initially declared its urgent measure aiming confront rising threats posed due escalating violent criminality involving narcotics misuse impacting overall safety felt residents negatively affecting day-to-day life.”(Ginoogaming First Nation website)

L ong L ake 58 acquired assistance similarly stating preparations underway implementing measures checking locals entering premises over weekend period.

The program brought positive outcomes so far reported back improving circumstances observed inhabitants appreciative changes noticeable allowing sense reassurance feel secure thereafterwe’re very thankful having these precautions placed ensuring wellbeing...
Still costs associated placed burden solely upon nation’s finances while challenging sustainability requiring adequate allocations priority focus stemming collaborative ventures enhances prospects delivering best care against addiction among those needing it most.

Pursuing enhancement provisions assisting recovering persons enabling access treatment localized detoxification initiating developments connecting better aftercare solutions focusing prevention strategies rooted deep grounded entrenched long-term success envisioned making recovery achievable sustainable manner systemically tackling issues related concerning society collectively protecting future generations against damage resulting illicit substances entering surroundings disrupting fabric communal integrity leading towards achieving unity prevailing adversity strength derived through solidarity remaining cohesive integral interconnected principle interdependence bonded mutual support fostering resilience hope extended irrespective challenges faced ahead.

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