Ginoogaming Chief Sheri Taylor urges urgent resources and policing support; echoes NAN-wide State of Emergency

GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION, ON – INDIGENOUS NEWS (Oct. 9, 2025) – Ginoogaming First Nation (GFN)is offering heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of a community member whose tragic death is being investigated as a homicide. Another community member remains injured following this week’s gun violence that triggered an emergency response and a two-day shelter-in-place order. While that order has now been lifted, Chief and Council are re-issuing a call for action tied to a State of Emergency (SOE) that GFN declared 16 months ago in response to rising crime, drug/alcohol-related harm, and gang activity.

“It is absolutely tragic that the young life of one of our members has been taken and another one has been injured,” said Chief Sheri Taylor. “The two outstanding armed and dangerous individuals continuing to be at large is a major concern and we urge anyone with any information—or who knows their current whereabouts—to report it to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. We will continue to work with local law enforcement to advocate for increased police presence and to ensure that this matter is resolved, even while the shelter-in-place order is lifted.”

Shelter-in-Place Lifted, Investigation Continues

Following extensive police operations in and around GFN and Longlac, the shelter-in-place advisory was lifted earlier today. The OPP North West Region Crime Unit and Anishinabek Police Service, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continue to actively investigate and maintain an increased presence in the community.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Do not approach individuals believed to be involved.

“Band-Aid Fixes” and the Call for Real Resources

GFN’s leadership says the SOE declared 16 months ago has not produced the sustained, structural support required to confront escalating violence and the flow of illegal drugs.

“There continues to exist a lack of resources and interest from our Treaty partners to address our SOE from over one year ago,” said Chief Taylor. “As a start, Canada needs to immediately sign off on the policing Service Delivery Model that will increase resources in our area.”

Chief Taylor also emphasized the challenges faced by nearby First Nations within the Municipality of Greenstone, noting that leaders often have their hands tied when trying to address situations where drug dealers are being harboured in homes.

“Governments need to step in and take a serious look at the inability of law enforcement to fulfill their crucial role in maintaining public safety and enforcing laws—this puts our families at risk every day,” she continued.

NAN’s Territory-Wide State of Emergency

GFN’s renewed call aligns with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) declaration of a territory-wide State of Emergencyover illegal drugs and gang violence, issued today in Thunder Bay. NAN cites surging trafficking, gang infiltration, and an urgent need for border protections, remote airport screening, and long-term investments in prevention, youth, mental health, and addictions supports. GFN leaders say federal and provincial partners must now move from meetings to measurable action.

What Ginoogaming First Nation Is Asking For

• Immediate resourcing of policing through approval and funding of the Service Delivery Model

• Sustained funding for community-led safety plans, including prevention, treatment, and healing services

• Border and entry-point protections suitable for on-reserve, remote and fly-in contexts (e.g., airport screening)

• Parity in public safety supports comparable to those available in municipalities

How to Share Information or Get Help

• OPP (non-emergency tips): 1-888-310-1122

• Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) | ontariocrimestoppers.ca

• Emergencies: 911

• Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7): 1-855-242-3310 | hopeforwellness.ca

• Talk Suicide Canada (24/7): 1-833-456-4566 | Text 45645 (4 p.m.–midnight ET)

Ginoogaming First Nation thanks community members for their cooperation and resilience during the lockdown and asks residents to continue putting safety first as the investigation proceeds.