(Image: Eabametoong flag)
APTN National News
EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION, ONT.–The wife of Canada’s Governor General arrived Thursday morning in a remote northern Ontario Ojibway community that has been plagued by drug-fuelled violence.
Sharon Johnston travelled to Eabametoong First Nations along with Ruth Ann Onley, wife of Ontario Lt.-Gov. David Onley. They were also accompanied by Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy.
They were scheduled to meet Eabametoong First Nation Chief Lewis Nate whose band council declared a state of emergency over out-of-control violence gripping the community.
“Today is a historical day in our community as it is the first time that we have had such honourable visitors come to Eabametoong First Nation and we welcome them,” said Nate. “This is an opportunity for our people to tell their story and be heard. The visit is a strong indication that our community is in desperate need of assistance.”
Eabametoong, a fly in community, is located on the shores of Eabamet Lake, about 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ont.
The Ojibway community has been brought to its knees by rampant prescription drug abuse that has unleashed a wave of violence including dozens of arson incidents and two murders.
The band council issued a national plea for help late last month after declaring a state of emergency. Indian Affairs and Health Canada officials recently visited the community to assess the full scope of the need.
The federal government is exploring several options to help the community, including sending in the Canadian Rangers reserve force which has a large Aboriginal presence in its ranks.
Police say that abuse of Oxycontin is rife in the community where one pill can go for as high as $320.
1 thought on “GG’s wife visits suffering Ontario Ojibway community”
Comments are closed.