FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION — A state of emergency was declared by Chief Michele Solomon at Fort William First Nation on Friday because of the ongoing drug crisis that is negatively affecting the community. Council passed a motion on July 8 to make the declaration. The declaration will remain in force until the crisis is stabilized to a level that is satisfactory to the chief and council, a release said. Chief Solomon spoke with the media after a Facebook live video on the declaration. “This comes as a result of escalating situations in our community, escalating violence, escalating people coming into our community who really shouldn’t be here. And certainly the escalation of opiate-related deaths of our people, our members.” Solomon indicated the declaration was sent to Indigenous Services Canada.

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