Ginoogaming First Nation announced that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has tentatively agreed to create a long-term written plan to enhance community safety.
This Ojibway community, located northeast of Thunder Bay, declared a state of emergency in May 2024 due to rising violence and drug trafficking issues.
Chief Sheri Taylor from Ginoogaming stated she met with OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique on Thursday, urging for “immediate action and funding support.”
The First Nation claims it has spent around $1.6 million on private security since May when they brought in Anishinaabe Ambassadors Inc. to help combat illegal drug activities.
“This is an extraordinary burden for the First Nation to carry,” Taylor expressed during a virtual news briefing on Thursday. “We shouldn’t have to choose between investing in housing, infrastructure, health and economic development, and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to tackle the public safety crisis.”
Taylor mentioned that Carrique made verbal promises to establish a public safety partnership with the First Nation, involving senior OPP leadership and setting a 30-day timeline for follow-up discussions.
Chief Sheri Taylor of Ginoogaming First Nation says her community should not be bearing such high security costs to keep its people safe. (Submitted by Matawa First Nations Management)
has contacted the OPP for comments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Anishinabek Police Service (APS) primarily serves Ginoogaming with additional assistance from the OPP. also reached out to APS, which confirmed it is working on providing a statement.
“APS operates under the federal First Nations and Inuit Policing Program, which hasn’t yet classified First Nation policing as an essential service. This leaves communities like Ginoogaming without adequate enforcement and support,” Ginoogaming stated in a press release on Thursday.
From June 22 to Aug. 13, the community-funded checkpoint operations recorded:
22,226 vehicles processed – an average of 467.7 vehicles per day.27 drug-related seizure incidents, with at least 42 items seized or recovered.13 alcohol-related incidents and 16 open alcohol containers confiscated. One weapon transferred to the OPP.102 incident records logged over 53 days.
“Chief Taylor and council are calling on the OPP to provide funding and enforcement resources necessary for sustaining and expanding these safety measures – including checkpoint operations, K9 handler services, nighttime surveillance, peacekeeper supports, and youth prevention and healing programs,” said the First Nation.
Taylor emphasized that while OPP’s commitments appear encouraging, “our people need safety now.”
“We still expect immediate support while we work towards a longer-term agreement.”
![Long Lake #58]()
Long Lake #58 is situated along Highway 11 about 40 kilometers east of Geraldton which is more than 250 kilometers north of Thunder Bay.![Long Lake #58]()
The districts encompassing Ginoogaming along with Long Lake #58 fall under Thunder Bay where opioid-related death rates remain highest across Ontario at over five times greater than provincial averages according to data from Ontario’s Office of Chief Coroner regarding events noted in 2025.
Taylor continues collaborating closely alongside Long Lake #58’s chief addressing their mutual concerns together concerning ongoing challenges facing them both recently encountered difficulties further intensified by serious violent occurrences observed throughout recent months including incidents resulting tragically leading up deaths affecting neighboring nations too adding more urgency surrounding overall wellbeing monitoring efforts towards respective populations being served directly impacted drastically underway as well!
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), representing multiple nations across Treaties Nine & Five-comprising both aforementioned reserves issued press statements today indicating solidarity behind efforts made towards remedying current situations described above stressing importance placed onto safeguarding regions involved here where various patterns observed correlate significantly impacting quality lives citizens hold dear deeply concerned about futures ahead amidst turmoil endured lately faced collectively throughout entire area overall expected responses sought adequately correspondingly faster pace seen elsewhere previously noted lack thereof troubling many!”
If similar occurrences took place down south action would’ve been prompt national matters arose however here silence remains deafening,” NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler remarked succinctly highlighting disparities faced daily among constituents living conditions requiring urgent attention soon before worse events transpire unnecessarily escalating problems apparent everywhere pushing limits pushed beyond breaking points already far too much endured altogether unacceptable norms present today found nowhere acceptable given circumstances either!
![Deputy Grand Chief]()
“Those residing these territories deserve equivalent standards enjoyed others call home filled entirely dignity respect equal rights afforded alike regardless background culture shared common ground beyond surface level interactions occurring merely superficial nature insufficient tackling deeper issues emerge regularly hence must address properly aligned approaches effectively achieve desired results!” Achneepineskum concluded firmly mentioning desire creating lasting changes ongoing processes proposed seeking future!NAN also advocates empowering Nishnawbe Aski Police Service enabling authority enforce bylaws governing entry points controlling access matters surrounding ensuring rules uphold consistently maintained accordingly govern appropriately each situation presented deal thorough communication transparency established clearly cooperative spirit intended build strengthen trust relationship foundations exist originally!Further steps needed forthcoming explored upcoming meeting scheduled taking place October intends deliberating broader justice policing issues spanning across NAN territory overall inclusive all relevant aspects discussed collaboratively aiming constructively identifying ways improvements could implemented long term basis striving diligently achieve goals envisioned initially depicted envisioning what better tomorrow might entail implementing solutions pursue progress worthwhile endeavor beneficial everyone involved ultimately!
Taylor highlighted “policing represents merely one segment larger puzzle sought resolution process executed comprehensively evolving aspect important solving problems looming near horizon needs tackled swiftly undertaken concurrently work partnerships built rooted accountability respect!” remarked noting path ahead involves commitment collaboration foster understanding amongst parties engaged ensure optimal solutions realized meet collective ambitions aspirations held true within communities stand united focused pressing onward together creating brighter safer futures await all families thrive amid adversity experienced long enough already overcome obstacles standing tall renewed hope discovered perseverance endures strong hearts indeed shine bright pave way forwards unhindered impediments confronting us fronted confidently perseverant spirits refuse cower beneath weight challenges posed left lingering unrest once prevalent extinguished finally restored harmony regained ultimately thriving collectively emerging victorious against odds stacked heavily against successes claimed proudly proud heritage woven tightly intertwined bonds forged enduring cherish forevermore moments captured reflect light resilience unyielding fought hard protect integrity existence survives irrespective trials tribulations encountered steadfastly moving ahead envisioning brighter landscapes awaiting realization dreams nurtured care undying belief spirit unbroken endure eternally alive memory cherished love resounding echo time immemorial remaining etched hearts minds indelibly guiding compass carrying onward continuously enlightening paths traversed endlessly enriching experiences lived tirelessly courageously forging newfound destinies unfettered freedom reign reigniting passions ignite flames inspire uplift elevate journey forward boundless horizons yet beckon brightly illuminated possibilities emerging unlimited horizons awaiting discovery embrace unfolding chapters tales waiting unfold captivating mysteries linger inviting curiosity explorations adventures limitless discoveries unveil themselves daring journeys await inviting hands grasp new horizons rise courageously meet every challenge head-on arms open wide seize opportunities transformed visions birthed dreams flourish bloom radiantly illuminating paths weave rich tapestry colors aspirations interwoven guiding lights illuminating pathways leading toward ever-expanding realms endless potential awaits longing embraced lovingly rejoiced!”
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A Meeting Scheduled with Ontario and Ottawa
An email response from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) received by on Thursday afternoon indicated that a meeting involving provincial officials along with those from Ottawa and Ginoogaming is tentatively set for Monday; this meeting will focus on planning for community safety alongside relevant partners like the Ontario Provincial Police. Since May 2024, “ISC has facilitated three deployments of support personnel into [the] community aimed at creating a visible presence there while conducting wellness checks and offering additional assistance as identified by Ginoogaming leadership,” wrote spokesperson Eric Head. ISC has also provided funds for an emergency management coordinator in Ginoogaming covering the period from 2023-2026. There’s also availability for another emergency management coordinator along with a health emergency management coordinator through Matawa First Nations Management, Head mentioned. “The community additionally has access to an ISC-funded mental wellness team via Matawa First Nations Management.” ‘These are not isolated incidents’ The nearby Long Lake #58 First Nation declared its own state of emergency in January regarding “drug traffickers who are supplying vulnerable members within our community.”In May both communities declared a joint state of emergency concerning this shared issue as they maintain strong connections among their members through familial ties.‘Policing Is One Part Of That Solution’
A deputy grand chief affiliated jointly serving NAN named Anna Betty Achneepineskum joined Taylor during previous conference speaking openly expressing concerns surrounding policing services still proving challenging relationships formed historically existed despite attempts improve collaboration efforts initiated beforehand emphasizing necessity reforming practices undertaken moving forward seeks enhance public trust restore faith amongst stakeholders find resolutions meaningful lasting outcomes desired ultimately!Source link
