State of Emergency declared by Manitoba First Nation Community after large number of deaths

A large number of deaths, the most recent of which included a cluster of suicides, has led to a Manitoba First Nation community declaring a State of Emergency.

The memo states the State of Emergency became effective on Oct. 9 for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (SVDN).

"The SVDN Chief and Council call on both its federal and provincial partners for immediate assistance and to aid in planning for short and long [term] mental health resources."

SVDN is calling for immediate supports in the form of a funding incentive package to hire four equivalent full-time health workers and support for crisis-line employed workers.

The community is hoping to build a healing lodge as a long-term aid where they can address "ongoing impacts of colonialism and generations of imposed policies and procedures." They also want to ensure "sufficient, accountable, and long-term sustainable resources to address health and safety are made available.

SVDN addressed the memo declaring their State of Emergency to Marc Miller, minister of Indigenous Services Canada; Eileen Clarke, minister of Indigenous and northern relations; and Stephen Traynor, regional director general for Indigenous services Canada.