Northern Ontario First Nation declares emergency over homelessness, addiction, and lack of services, demanding immediate government action and funding.

The Mushkegowuk Council in northern Ontario has declared a state of emergency over a deepening crisis marked by homelessness, addiction, and inadequate mental health and shelter services. Leaders are urging federal and provincial governments to establish a First Nation-led task force, expand emergency shelters and transitional housing, fund culturally grounded programs like the Firekeeper Patrol, and ensure 24/7 crisis response. They emphasize the need for long-term funding and community-driven solutions to address systemic issues including colonialism, residential school impacts, and the opioid epidemic, stressing that sustainable change requires immediate action and partnership.