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State of emergency declared in northern Manitoba due to community violence

State of emergency declared in northern Manitoba due to community violence

By Mounira Magdy

Published: August 18, 2024

The O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in northern Manitoba declared a state of emergency after a series of violent attacks led to a wide-scale lockdown of the community overnight.

During an interview with CTV News, Police Chief Shirley Doucarm said there were three stabbings that occurred overnight, including one she described as "extremely serious," but not fatal.

Meanwhile, Doucarm said other assaults were also happening, along with "a lot of alcohol-related activities."

Community members also reported seeing someone with a weapon, although the alleged incident was not related to the stabbings.

In an email to CTV News, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the arrest of one person.

As a result, Doucarm said nurses were overwhelmed by the number of people needing medical care.

The community lockdown came into effect at 1 a.m., with Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation patrolling.

Doucarm said the lockdown was lifted after nine hours, around 10 a.m., "We lifted the lockdown, but we are going to maintain curfew regulations later today while we work on enforcing the state of emergency."

While the lockdown has ended, Doucarm stated that the community is still in crisis.

She explained, "We still have a lot of alcohol-related assaults, and we are still dealing with many mental health and addiction issues. We still want to get some kind of response to get help, support, and resources to meet our needs."

Doucarm also said the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation would implement a nighttime curfew to help reduce criminal activity. It will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for those under 18 and from midnight to 6 a.m. for adults. It is expected to go into effect Saturday night and will remain in place for the next several weeks.

Support from Indigenous leadership

In a press release issued Saturday afternoon, Angela Levasaur, acting Chief of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), said she stands with Doucarm and her council.

Levasaur stated, "The violence has spread due to the escalation of drugs and alcohol in our Indigenous communities across all our northern Indigenous tribes. MKO believes in a comprehensive government response plan to address the threat of violence in our Indigenous communities, and we will strive to work with governments to ensure appropriate plans are in place in collaboration with leadership to ensure the safety of our Indigenous communities and the security of our families and communities."

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