A state of emergency has been declared in the remote First Nation community of North Spirit Lake.
It is because of what leaders say is a drug addiction epidemic and a breakdown of the community’s water system which has caused a widespread crisis.
Chief Caroline Keesic explains “we had no choice but to call this State of Emergency as we require an immediate response from the appropriate federal and provincial agencies with resources to support our members suffering from harmful addictions and to help leadership stabilize the community.”
Officials believe the crisis situation will worsen without a coordinated effort by all appropriate government departments, agencies and partners to send relief.
North Spirit Lake First Nation, is located about 170 kilometres northeast of Red Lake,
You can only get there by air and during the winter road season.
