Menu

Topics

Connect

Comments

Comments closed.

Due to the sensitive and/or legal subject matter of some of the content on globalnews.ca, we reserve the ability to disable comments from time to time.

Please see our Commenting Policy for more.

Death of First Nation’s young man inspires calls for support with mental health and drugs

RCMP is investigating after a suspect in a string of assaults on a Manitoba First Nation died by suicide after a confrontation with officers. Meanwhile, the MKO says alcohol and drugs coming in by plane continues to spell trouble for First Nations communities – Jan 31, 2022

The death of a 21-year-old man from Manitoba has sparked conversation about supporting young people in northern Manitoba communities.

Story continues below advertisement

According to an RCMP press release, a young man from Sayisi Dene First Nation lost his life from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the evening of Jan 28 in Tadoule Lake, Man.

“The young people in our community are hurting,” said Sayisi Dene Chief Evan Yassie.

The RCMP say it started with a call in the early hours of Jan 27, when police got a report of a man spraying bear mace at three people and assaulting two other adults.

Police tracked down the young man the next evening, where they tried to verbally disarm him but were unsuccessful.

Mounties say they are currently investigating if drug use played a factor in the man’s death.

The daily email you need for Winnipeg's top news stories.
Get the day's top stories from Winnipeg and surrounding communities, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily Winnipeg news

Get the day's top stories from Winnipeg and surrounding communities, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Local Indigenous organization MKO Inc. held a press conference alongside Chief Evan Yassie, raising many concerns including cellphone service and illegal drugs entering the community.

Story continues below advertisement

“My call to outside resources is to help the community deal with the young people that are suffering,” said Chief Yassie.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said  drugs and alcohol are smuggled in through the mail, and they want government and Canada Post’s help to stop it.

Chief Yassie says he has a scheduled meeting with Canada Post to tackle the problem.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) – THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods.

 

Story continues below advertisement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am renewing an urgent call for a ‘whole of government response’ to stem the raging epidemic in bootlegging and drug-dealing in MKO First Nations and to focus on the health and well-being of Northern First Nations by delivering harm reduction measures and mental wellness and addictions supports,” said Settee.

Manitoba’s police watchdog or the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is currently looking into the case.

Advertisement

You are viewing an Accelerated Mobile Webpage.

View Original Article