A First Nation in southern Alberta has declared a state of emergency following a recent series of drug poisoning deaths. Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton and council made the declaration on Tuesday. Knowlton characterized the drug crisis as the “public policy challenge of the century, affecting every community from coast to coast.” He also stated that the impact of drug use is felt especially painfully in a tight-knit community like Piikani.
The state of emergency, based on the reading of the federal Emergencies Act and according to the Canadian Charter, includes “substantive measures” to prevent drug use, improve emergency treatment, and provide additional resources to front-line agencies. Knowlton also mentioned that the First Nation is working with local RCMP “for diligent and augmented law enforcement measures to crack down on the source of the problem, namely gangs and drug traffickers.”
The Piikani chief called the drug poisoning crisis a long-term and complicated issue that requires immediate action that has begun. He expressed his sympathies to the families of the youth who have been taken from them and assured that they will offer more than sympathy. They are taking concrete action to address the issue and provide support to the affected families.
In the last week, several deaths have occurred, and the community is mourning the loss. Services are being made available in the form of grief and mental health counseling to all those affected. This crisis highlights the urgency and complexity of the drug problem in Indigenous communities and the need for comprehensive and decisive action to address it.