Dene Tha’ First Nation Declares Local Emergency Amid Crisis

BREAKING: The Dene Tha’ First Nation has declared a state of local emergency in response to an escalating mental health and addiction crisis that is devastating the community. This urgent declaration was made over the weekend following a crucial vote by Chief Wilfred Hooka-Nooza and council members, signaling an immediate need for federal and provincial intervention.

Chief Hooka-Nooza emphasized that this declaration is a “call for immediate help, partnership, and action” from both levels of government. The community is urgently seeking funding and resources to enhance prevention and recovery support, as well as access to culturally appropriate mental health and addiction services.

“We are calling for resources that allow our community members to receive care at home, instead of being sent away to rehabilitation centers,” Hooka-Nooza stated. He reflected on the deep connection between the land and the people, noting that “it does something to an individual when you’re out there on the land.”

The situation in the Dene Tha’ First Nation, located in northwestern Alberta, has become dire. Chief Hooka-Nooza reported a troubling rise in deaths related to drugs and alcohol, including a recent suicide, stating, “This is not the first time… it’s reached the point where it’s exceeded our capacity.”

Provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney, acknowledged the community’s declaration, stating, “We recognize the seriousness of the addiction crisis affecting Indigenous communities across the province.” He assured that the safety and well-being of Indigenous communities is a top priority.

Data on addiction and mental health issues in the community remains sparse, complicating efforts to address the crisis effectively. Hooka-Nooza highlighted that existing surveillance reports do not provide community-specific insights, making it difficult to track the scale of the problem.

Meanwhile, Elaine Hyshka, an associate professor at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health, warned that Alberta is facing a drug poisoning crisis, with Indigenous people being eight times more likely to die from non-intentional drug poisoning than their non-Indigenous counterparts. She attributed this disparity to historical colonization and systemic discrimination, stating, “This is really sort of a symptom of those broader or structural causes.”

As the Dene Tha’ First Nation takes this critical step, attention turns to whether the federal and provincial governments will respond with the urgency required to address this crisis. The community hopes that declaring a state of local emergency will lead to much-needed funding and resources to confront the root causes of mental health and addiction issues.

The Dene Tha’ First Nation is made up of three separate reserves: Bushe River, Meander River, and Chateh, and is grappling with an urgent need for support. The community’s leaders are determined to protect their members as they navigate this troubling time.

For immediate help, the following resources are available:
– **Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline:** Call or text 988
– **Kids Help Phone:** 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
– **Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention:** Access a 24-hour crisis center.

This developing story underscores the urgent need for action in Indigenous communities across Canada. Share this article to raise awareness about the crisis and support the Dene Tha’ First Nation in their call for help.