O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation declares state of emergency, enacts curfew due to escalating violence from drug and alcohol abuse.
O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in northern Manitoba has declared a state of emergency and implemented a curfew for residents after multiple stabbings and assaults were reported. The community is facing an escalation of drug and alcohol abuse leading to increasing violence. A nightly curfew will be implemented for minors and adults, and a community checkstop will search for drugs, alcohol, and weapons during the curfew hours. The RCMP have been involved, with one person arrested in connection with the violence. The crisis stems from a history of mental health issues and addiction problems in the community, leading to calls for help from the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and support for crisis intervention teams and mental health services.