Ginoogaming’s Fight Against Drug Crisis | Calgary News

Ginoogaming First Nation is taking bold steps to combat a surge in drug trafficking and violence, spending over $1.6 million on private security since declaring a state of emergency last year. Community leaders are pushing the Ontario Provincial Police for a formal, long-term safety partnership — with the OPP commissioner agreeing verbally and promising a follow-up meeting within 30 days. But deeper systemic issues remain: the Anishinabek Police Service, which serves Ginoogaming, isn’t recognized as an essential service under federal funding, forcing communities to divert resources from housing and healthcare. Despite running their own checkpoints and seizing drugs and weapons, they’re still scrambling for support. Indigenous Services Canada is stepping in with emergency funding and personnel, while neighboring Long Lake 58 First Nation faces similar crises. With opioid deaths in Thunder Bay far exceeding provincial averages, regional leaders are uniting to demand a comprehensive, multi-level government response — because policing alone can’t solve this crisis. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/f5b55a56fcc654bd