November 18, 2024

STATE OF EMERGENCY: COMMUNITY VIOLENCE AND ILLEGAL ACTIVITY

Chief and Council have declared a State of Emergency to deal with the violence and illegal activity that has been negatively impacting our community for a number of years. Alcohol, drug use, bootlegging, illegal drug activity, and gang violence are causing increased and very serious violent incidents in our community.

Effective at 6:00 pm on Monday, December 2nd, 2024, the following measures will be in place:

  • The permit system, with increased alcohol limits, will apply during the State of Emergency;
  • Anyone who previously had a permit and had no violations will be issued a new permit without cost;
  • Anyone who previously violated their permit will not be issued a new permit unless the Director of Justice or their designate from the Justice Department provides written authorization to issue a new permit in which case, the cost the new permit will be based on the number of previous violations.  Each violation will increase the cost of the permit by $30.00.
  • Anyone bringing alcohol or cannabis into NCN must have a receipt to show they purchased the alcohol or cannabis;
  • No NCN company vehicle may be used to transport alcohol;
  • The alcohol limits outlined in the Community Protection Law have been increased to the following:
    1. Up to forty-eight (48) 355ml cans or bottles of beer or coolers; or
    2. Up to two (2) 750ml bottles of spirits such as rye, vodka, or rum; or (must not exceed 52 ounces, i.e. one 40 ounce is okay)
    3. Up to eight (8) litres of wine;
  • Anyone who attempts to bring alcohol or cannabis over the limits will be fined, and all of the alcohol and/or cannabis they are trying to bring onto NCN Lands will be seized;
  • Anyone bootlegging, transporting or selling illegal drugs may be evicted or banished from NCN Lands;
  • Bear Mace, Machetes, knives or guns cannot be brought onto NCN Lands unless approved by Chief and Council or their authorized designate;
  • Anyone who tries to or causes harm to another person using bear mace, machetes, knives, guns, or other weapons may be immediately evicted or banished from NCN Lands or alternative measures will be taken;
  • Home based businesses must close by 11pm;
  • A curfew for all children under the age of 18 will be in effect from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am, and if parents or guardians fail to rectify the situation, they will no longer be eligible for regular benefits, Alternate Benefits will be in effect, and CFS will be notified;
  • ATVs, snow machines, and recreational vehicles cannot be operated on or adjacent to NCN Lands from midnight to 7:00 am and will be seized for 30 days if they are, and persons will be required to pay $500 for a 1st offence, $1000 for a 2nd offence and may be banished if they violate the rule a 3rd time;
  • No snow machine, ATV or recreational vehicle will be allowed through the checkstop between midnight and 7:00 am.
  • No more gang activities, meetings, or wearing gang colors, clothing, or other paraphernalia on NCN Lands.
  • All access roads, trails, rivers, and waterways that lead to NCN Lands will be patrolled, and searches of vehicles and other personal property will take place;
  • Persons released from jail will require a special pass to be allowed entry onto NCN Lands;
  • There has been an increase in non-residents entering NCN lands, leading to more violence. Any person wishing to enter NCN lands will be required to have valid photo identification; No visitors/non-NCN residents will be permitted entry from midnight to 6 am. (This includes NCN citizens)
  • Any person who violates the OIC will be offered the opportunity to enter into an agreement to pursue a plan to achieve Mithopematisiwin (a good life), and if they refuse, may be evicted or banished from the community upon order of Chief and Council;
  • Failure to comply with the OIC will result in fines or other penalties and disciplinary action for employees.

In the event there is a conflict between this bulletin and the Order in Council, the Order in Council shall prevail.

MORE MEASURES MAY BE ADDED IF THE VIOLENCE DOES NOT STOP!

All NCN Citizens, residents and visitors to NCN Lands must work together with Chief and Council if we are to stop the violence. This includes the lateral violence that is taking place through the use of social media. We all have a collective responsibility to make our community a safe place to live, work, and raise our children.

Ekosi!

Chief Angela Levasseur, on behalf of Council