Attention NCN Citizens!

In the interests of open communication, accountability, and transparency we would like to provide you with the following update:

This morning Chief Angela Levasseur, along with our CEO Grace Kyoon-Achan, met with key stakeholders from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and First Nation Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) on the issue of community violence in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

It was a very positive and productive meeting and we are now working on an immediate action plan, as well as some long range plans to mitigate the issues related to community safety, policing, and violence in NCN.

We now have a commitment from ISC and FNIHB to work with us on our plans. In the short term, we are planning to hold a community meeting in NCN soon so that we can work together to come up with solutions that are community led and community driven.

We are also working on increasing the presence of FNSOs and RCMP in our community. We have 5 new FNSOs starting next week. Additional plans include bringing in NCN’s own Bear Paw Security to help address immediate needs for safety and security, bringing in AMC’s Community Ambassador Program to assist with community patrol and to restore our NCN Community Patrol program.

In terms of long range solutions, we are looking at having FNIHB increase mental health supports and also help with harm reduction initiatives to address our drug and alcohol related issues. We are also looking at creating opportunities for land based healing for those involved in gangs and gang violence.

To the parents of NCN: We need your help and support the most. As parents, you must be accountable for your children’s actions and their whereabouts at all times.

Finally, we are working closely with MKO and AMC to lobby for the criminalization of sales of weapons such as machetes/bear mace, etc. to youth as well as the criminalization of adults who sell or give these products to youth.

Please stay tuned for a public announcement regarding the time, date and location of our public meeting. If we all work together, we can come up with grassroots solutions together that will best serve our nation and ensure the safety of our people.

Ekosani,
Chief & Council for Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation