Chemawawin Cree Nation and Chief Clarence Easter are the fourth First Nation community in Manitoba to declare a state of emergency since the start of this year. Handout PHOTO BY HANDOUT /Winnipeg Sun
Chemawawin Cree Nation (CCN) becomes the fourth First Nation community in Manitoba to announce a state of emergency this year. The decision comes as CCN leaders confront a continuous crisis of violence, exacerbated by the recent killing of a 14-year-old girl.
Chief Clarence Easter and the band council of CCN issued a notice last week, declaring a state of emergency in the community located 450 kilometers north of Winnipeg. They have implemented new guidelines that residents must adhere to, with potential repercussions including eviction or banishment from the community for non-compliance.
The council cited escalating violence and illegal activities as the primary reasons for their decisive action. The tragic death of a 14-year-old girl from severe injuries, for which a 19-year-old man from the community has been charged with second-degree murder, further underscores the gravity of the situation.
Additionally, a 32-year-old woman was killed in the neighboring community of Easterville on May 4th. Another woman, aged 35, was found with life-threatening injuries, and two girls, aged 13 and 14, have been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder, respectively.
CCN's band council attributes the crisis to rising violence and the influx of dangerous weapons into the community. To address this, they have prohibited possession of machetes, knives, bear spray, and firearms. Anyone found in possession of these weapons or found to have inflicted harm with them will face "banishment."
A curfew has also been enforced, requiring residents aged 17 and under to be indoors between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m., while those aged 18 and over must be home between midnight and 6 a.m. Vehicle usage during these times is restricted to essential workers.
CCN is implementing measures to monitor entry into the community, requiring all vehicles to undergo security checks or face denial of entry. Non-members entering the community must declare their purpose, provide identification, and complete a visitor form. Those without a valid reason for being in CCN will be promptly escorted out.
Chief Clarence Easter was contacted for comment but did not respond. The situation mirrors similar emergencies declared in other Manitoba First Nations. On May 4th, the Tataskweyak Cree Nation declared a state of emergency due to escalating violence and illegal activities, implementing measures akin to those in CCN.
Earlier, on February 26th, the Long Plain First Nation near Portage la Prairie declared a state of emergency due to a surge in physical and mental health issues, drug abuse, and drug-related deaths. Similarly, the Peguis First Nation declared an emergency on April 30th, attributing it to worsening mental health and addiction issues exacerbated by ongoing flooding and lack of permanent flood protection.
These declarations of emergencies underscore the urgent need for support and intervention in Indigenous communities grappling with multifaceted challenges. They highlight the pressing need for comprehensive solutions addressing root causes, including violence, substance abuse, mental health, and socio-economic disparities, to ensure the well-being and safety of community members.
