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Leaders in two northern First Nations said they want stricter regulations on alcohol sales — and increased enforcement of bootlegging of drugs and alcohol — after a dramatic increase in violent crime in recent weeks.
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On Tuesday, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) a group that advocates for northern Manitoba First Nations, held a press conference where both O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation Chief Shirley Ducharme and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseur said violent crime is a growing issue that must be dealt with in their communities.
The O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation imposed a curfew and declared a state of emergency last weekend, after two people were wounded in stabbings and the community has also set up a checkstop to search for drugs, alcohol and weapons while the curfew is in effect.
Levasseur said her community has seen an uptick in violent crime and crimes committed with machetes over recent days and weeks.
Levasseur is calling on both the provincial and federal governments to take steps to stop drugs and alcohol from getting into communities illegally and also called for more federal funding to help support First Nations-run and led police services in communities.
Officials with MKO said that since 2021, they have seen a 40% increase in violent acts in the 26 communities they represent.
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