The death of a 21-year-old man from Manitoba has sparked talk of supporting young people in northern Manitoba communities.
According to an RCMP press release, a young man from Sayisi Dene First Nation lost his life to a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the evening of January 28 in Tadoule Lake, Man.
“The young people in our community are hurting,” said Evan Yassie, head of Sayisi Dene.
The RCMP says it began with a call in the early hours of January 27, when police received a report of a man spraying bear foil on three people and assaulting two other adults.
Police tracked down the young man the following evening, where they verbally tried to disarm him but were unsuccessful.
Mounties says they are currently investigating whether drug use played a factor in the man’s death.
Local indigenous organization MKO Inc. held a press conference with Chief Evan Yassie, who expressed much concern, including cellphone service and illegal drugs entering the community.
“My call for resources from outside is to help the community deal with the young people who are suffering,” said Chief Yassie.
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said drugs and alcohol are being smuggled in by the post, and they want the government and Canada Post’s help to stop it.
Chief Yassie says he has a scheduled meeting with Canada Post to address the issue.
Grand Head Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) – THE CANADIAN PRESS / John Woods.
Today, I reiterate an urgent call for an entire government response to stem the raging epidemic in conflict and drug trafficking in MKO First Nations and to focus on the health and well-being of Northern First Nations through harm reduction measures and support mental well-being and addictions, Said Settee.
Manitoba’s police watchdog or the Manitoba Independent Investigation Unit is currently looking into the matter.
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