The Dene Tha First Nation in northwestern Alberta has declared a state of local emergency due to an escalating mental health and addictions crisis.
Chief Wilfred Hooka-Nooza announced the declaration following a council vote over the weekend, calling it a ” for immediate help, partnership, and action” from both federal and provincial governments.
The community seeks funding and resources to provide prevention and recovery support, emphasizing access to culturally appropriate care that allows members to remain within the First Nation during treatment.
Chief Hooka-Nooza highlighted the importance of land-based healing, stating, “We were the land and the land is who we are.”
Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney, acknowledged the declaration, recognizing the seriousness of the addiction crisis affecting Indigenous communities and expressing respect for the leadership’s proactive measures.
The Dene Tha’ First Nation comprises three reserves: Bushe River, Meander River, and Chateh.
In recent years, the community has experienced an increase in drug and alcohol-related deaths, including a recent suicide.
Chief Hooka-Nooza emphasized that these issues are symptoms of deeper, generational effects stemming from residential schools.
The Dene Tha’ leadership hopes this emergency declaration will lead to additional funding and resources to address the root causes of the community’s challenges.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
