SASKATOON – Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) has declared a state of emergency on alcohol, drugs, gangs and violence devastating Métis communities across Saskatchewan.
In a release issued Thursday, leaders warned that without immediate, co-ordinated action, including the creation of culturally appropriate, land-based treatment centres, more lives will be lost and more families affected.
Passed by the Provincial Métis Council (PMC) this week, the resolution empowers the MN–S government to engage with the province and Canada to provide resources that support community-led initiatives to help address the emergency and establish culturally grounded solutions to curtail addictions and violence in Saskatchewan.
The issue was brought forward by MN–S Justice Minister Brennan Merasty. In introducing the resolution, he said, “Institutional concepts will not heal our people. It is discovering our spirit through identity, culture, values, and language that will carry us forward. It will ground us, it will give us the balance that we need in everyday life and more importantly a connection with purpose. Then we can say, “Kây nântaw itihta.”
MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “Over 30 years ago, Pinehouse was dubbed the ‘drinking capital of Canada.’ The community came together and established the ‘Recovery Lake Program’ which is land-based treatment that has helped turn things around for our Métis citizens and their families. The blueprint is there. Let’s get to work, collaborate with our provincial and federal partners, and build upon that foundation.”
Calling it a province-wide epidemic, MN–S Mental Health and Addictions Minister Beverly Fullerton said, “Addictions are fueling a cycle of incarceration and broken families — 90 per cent of incarcerated individuals are Indigenous. This is not sustainable. We must act now. We will develop land-based, distinctions-based programs that honour Métis culture and save lives”.
Discussions are already underway with communities around Batoche to establish a land-based treatment facility.
With immediate commitments from Canada, Saskatchewan, and community leaders, construction can begin, MN-S states in a press release.
