Cat Lake First Nation declares a state of emergency due to prescription drug abuse
Cat Lake First Nation press release
CAT LAKE FIRST NATION DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
January 23, 2012
Cat Lake, ON ‐ Chief Matthew Keewaykapow, of Cat Lake First Nation, Ontario has declared a State of Emergency to federal and provincial officials due to the widespread use of prescription drugs in the community. Band officials and health staff estimate an approximate prescription drug abuse rate of seventy percent (70%) of their youth and adult membership on‐reserve.
Prescription drugs are smuggled into the community via air passenger travel and now by the open winter road – heightening the effects of the influx of drugs into the remote First Nation community.
“Cat Lake First Nation can no longer deal with the situation of prescription drug abuse alone. This affects all of our community, not only the users. Our elders are impacted when they have to worry about providing for their grandchildren as money for food disappears to purchase drugs. We also have general security concerns as vandalism and thefts have increased across the community.” says Chief Matthew Keewaykapow.
“The Chief and Council of Cat Lake First Nation have been working cooperatively with our Health Canada nursing staff and Nishnawbe‐Aski Police Service officers on a day‐to‐day basis…” Chief Matthew explains “…but the situation is beyond our current band resources and we require immediate and long‐term assistance from our federal and provincial partners.”
Chief Matthew Keewaykapow is calling upon Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), Health Canada (First Nations Inuit Health Branch), and the Nishnawbe‐Aski Police Service to provide assistance to address the State of Emergency in the community.
Additional Details:
Cat Lake First Nation is a remote community, Cat Lake, Ontario (Indian Reserve 63C), located approximately 180 kilometres northwest from the municipality of Sioux Lookout, ON.
The First Nation is no longer able to cope with the demands, community security, health and safety issues placed on the First Nations Chief and Council, Band Staff, and existing Health Clinic / Nursing Station and Nishnawbe‐Aski Police Service resources.
The Cat Lake First Nation requires immediate and long‐term support in our community to stop the influx of prescription drugs, intoxicants by air or winter road; and assistance to deal with the immediate security, health and safety issues on reserve and long‐term treatment for our members.
‐30‐
For More Information Please Contact:
Mr. Russell Wesley, Cat Lake First Nation
Email: rwesley@catlake.ca
Band Office Telephone: (807)347‐2100
Band Office Fax: (807)347‐2116