Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler: “The time for studies and excuses is over—act now”
THUNDER BAY – INDIGENOUS NEWS (Oct. 9, 2025) – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) leadership has declared a public State of Emergency following a drug-related shooting in Ginoogaming First Nation that left one person deceased and another critically injured. The declaration comes as the community emerges from a two-day shelter-in-place order and heightened police response.
The number of deaths, and the families impacted by illegal drugs, along with alcohol in NAN communities has continued to grow over the past decade.
The crisis escalated as NAN, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), and Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services were convening a justice forum aimed at tackling the very conditions driving harm across NAN territory—gang infiltration, illegal drugs, and drug-related violence. NAN leaders say no representatives from the federal or provincial governments attended, despite invitations.
“For decades, the governments of Canada and Ontario have failed to uphold their shared responsibility for public safety in First Nations communities,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “The time for studies, meetings, and excuses is over. The time for clear, responsible action is now, and we expect that action before there is an opportunity for any more violence in our communities.”
Border Security, Trafficking, and the Pressure of Resource Development
NAN leadership warns that the push for resource development in the Far North has increased exposure to external risks, including human trafficking, gang-related crime, and drug activity. According to NAPS, cocaine and fentanyl seizures rose by more than 300% from 2023 to 2024, underscoring the scale and urgency of the crisis.
Despite repeated requests for resourcing community-led border protection, leaders say governments have not provided the equipment, infrastructure, or funding required to protect entry points—particularly airports in fly-in and remote communities.
NAN Chiefs have previously endorsed a NAPS border control strategy to help communities secure their borders.
Several NAN northern communities have patrols at the airports checking the packages of people arriving in their communities.
“This is our daily reality,” said Chief Solomon Atlookan of Eabametoong First Nation. “Lives are being lost every day in our communities to shootings, to drugs, to violence. If these events were happening in southern Ontario, the response would be immediate and national. For us, there is silence.”
Ginoogaming First Nation: From Lockdown to Ongoing Investigation
Ginoogaming First Nation spent two days under shelter-in-place amid an active police search linked to the drug trade. While the advisory has now been lifted, OPP North West Region Crime Unit, in partnership with the Anishinabek Police Service and under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continues to investigate. Residents can expect an increased police presence as evidence gathering and community safety measures continue.
What NAN Is Demanding—Now
NAN and community leaders are calling for an immediate, coordinated response from both levels of government that includes:
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Emergency meetings with ministers and senior officials from Canada and Ontario
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Proper resourcing for border screening at vulnerable entry points (including remote airports)
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Sustained investments in prevention, youth programming, mental health, and addictions supports
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Long-term, community-led safety strategies to counter organized crime and the flow of illegal drugs
“Our officers, our families, our Elders, our children, and our communities deserve the same safety and protection that is taken for granted elsewhere in Canada,” added Grand Chief Fiddler. “We will not stand by to attend another funeral while governments hide behind jurisdiction.”
NAN Chiefs are united in their message: the lives of their people matter, and governments must act now.
How to Share Information or Get Help
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Police (non-emergency tips): 1-888-310-1122
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Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) | ontariocrimestoppers.ca
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Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7): 1-855-242-3310 | hopeforwellness.ca
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Talk Suicide Canada (24/7): 1-833-456-4566 | Text 45645 (4 p.m.–midnight ET)
NetNewsLedger will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as NAN leadership and government counterparts outline next steps.
