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Manitoba First Nations call for alcohol restrictions after violence prompts curfew

Click to play video: '“We still need long-term help”: Violent crime leads to curfew at Manitoba First Nation'
“We still need long-term help”: Violent crime leads to curfew at Manitoba First Nation
A First Nation in northern Manitoba is calling for more support after ongoing violence forced its leadership to declare a state of emergency over the weekend. Daisy Woelk reports – Aug 19, 2024

First Nations chiefs in northern Manitoba are calling for restrictions on alcohol purchases following an uptick in violent crimes, including a series of stabbings in one community over the weekend.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, a group advocating for some northern First Nations, says it’s seen a 40 per cent increase in violent acts in the communities it represents since 2021.

Acting Grand Chief Angela Levasseur says some factors include poverty, addictions and mental health issues.

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She is calling on the federal and provincial governments to stop the flow of illicit drugs and alcohol into communities, and for federal dollars to support a First Nations policing service in the North.

The O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation imposed a curfew and declared a state of emergency after two people were wounded in stabbings over the weekend, including one who was taken to hospital in Thompson.

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The community has also set up a checkstop to search for drugs, alcohol and weapons while the curfew is in effect.

Click to play video: 'Violent crime on the rise'
Violent crime on the rise

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