Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation, also known as Pic Mobert First Nation, situated about 55 kilometers east of Marathon, Ontario, has made headlines recently by declaring a state of emergency. This decision reflects their urgent plea for assistance to combat rising gang violence, organized crime, and mental health issues plaguing their community. The call to action came during a press conference held at Queen's Park, where Chief Louis Kwissiwa expressed the deep concerns of the community, stating, "A series of violent incidents, inhumane delays in emergency response, and the unchecked presence of organized crime have left our citizens feeling scared, abandoned, and unsafe – even in their own homes".
With a population ranging from 350 to 400 individuals living on the reserves along Highway 17, the community has become increasingly apprehensive. Chief Kwissiwa voiced his frustrations over the inadequacies of local policing. He noted the interplay of mental health issues and addictions as key factors leading to crime, saying, "It's the lack of policing, it heightens the crime, the organized crime, the human trafficking, you name it, all of it heightens".
The First Nation is calling on the provincial government for more resources and funding to address their specific needs. According to Kwissiwa, they have developed their plan and are seeking assistance rather than waiting for the government to dictate the terms. The Chief outlined three key demands: timely law enforcement, more investments for detox and treatment services, as well as equitable social support services. Currently, community members needing detox services face lengthy travel times, with the closest facility located four hours away.
This declaration of emergency is not isolated; it follows similar emergencies declared by other First Nations, like Fort William First Nation, which recently highlighted issues related to drug abuse. It seems there's a worrying trend of communities Like Pic Mobert facing crises stemming from violence and substance issues. Fort William First Nation's situation also drew national attention, underlining the systemic crisis affecting these First Nations.
Compounding the community's feelings of insecurity, detailed accounts of recent violence surfaced, adding urgency to their requests for help. Incidents included armed assaults where victims faced life-threatening situations, and the subsequent slow police response exacerbated fears of danger. Community safety director Paul Michtics pointed out the devastating reality, indicating the area receives less than half the policing service compared to similar-sized towns elsewhere.
During the press conference, Michtics said, "We need to stop drug trafficking, violent crimes, weapons, and illicit drug use". His comments reveal dissatisfaction with current police services; Pic Mobert currently relies on four officers, which community leaders believe is insufficient.
To address community adequacy issues, the First Nation has incurred significant debt — approximately $5 million — on security measures, including surveillance technology and hiring external emergency services. This financial burden emphasizes the community’s current struggle to maintain safety amid rising crime rates.
Local leaders, including MPP Sol Mamakwa from the NDP, criticized the provincial government, stating it has shown negligence with regards to public safety within First Nations. Mamakwa remarked, "The Ontario government has shown a systemic pattern of negligence toward safety in First Nations". He urged the province to take the situation seriously rather than allowing these safety concerns to be temporarily sidelined.
The urgent plea from Pic Mobert's leaders echoed around the Queen’s Park halls. Chief Kwissiwa's impassioned message called for the province's immediate attention, stating, "This is not an isolated or temporary situation. It is becoming the new normal". His words struck at the heart of the struggles faced by many Indigenous communities, grappling with violence, addiction, and mental health crises.
Further emphasizing the situation, statistics related to overdose rates and early youth mortality surfaced, painting a dire picture of drug-related deaths climbing alarmingly within Indigenous communities. The rising costs associated with healthcare and emergency responses are straining their financial capacity, as highlighted by Chief Kwissiwa, who asked, "Where do we go for help? We must have support to begin addressing these increasing crises ourselves".
With their plea now made public, community leaders are hopeful for intervention. Members of the First Nation aim to establish partnerships with external entities, shared support initiatives, and increased resources to reestablish safety. The residents of Pic Mobert First Nation want to reclaim their sense of security and well-being as they strive for justice, safety, and mental health support necessary to thrive.
While local leaders have stepped forward to solicit help, achieving these goals requires more than just the government’s good intentions. Action must follow these declarations of emergency if the situation, which threatens the foundations of community life, is to improve. The Pic Mobert First Nation’s bravery to declare this state of emergency shines as both a desperate call for help and ownership over their issues, driving the narrative forward with demands for immediate change.
Across Ontario, as more Indigenous communities ring alarm bells about crime, drug use, and violence, observers hope this moment at Queen’s Park signals the beginning of serious conversations about support for First Nations and their policing needs. The leaders of Pic Mobert wish for their cry to resonate — not just within the walls of government — but as part of wider discourse on the systemic changes required to inspire safety, support, and healing within all First Nations across the province.
