Grand Council Treaty #3 declares a nation-wide mental health and addictions state of emergency

Tim Brody - Editor

Grand Council Treaty #3, under the leadership of the Ogichidaa, Gaaainkinawataagizod, and Chiefs-in-Assembly, have declared a nation-wide Mental Health and Addictions State of Emergency across the Treaty #3 territory. 
“This crucial declaration comes as a response to the escalating mental health crises and the profound impacts of addiction within the Treaty #3 communities.  This crisis situation stems in part from the failures of Canada, Ontario and Manitoba, to fulfill their mutual aid responsibilities under Treaty #3 to ensure the health and well-being of the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3,” Grand Council Treaty#3 stated in a June 14 media release. 
“The Treaty #3 Nation has witnessed a distressing increase in suicides and other mental health challenges over recent years, necessitating urgent and collective action. The declaration mandates a unified and holistic approach across all Treaty #3 communities to enhance resilience and improve mental health services, including crisis intervention and comprehensive community support, and seeking the resources required to support these efforts,” the media release further stated.
The collective effort also involves coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure a seamless and effective response,” Grand Council Treaty #3 informed.
“The legacy of colonization and continued oppression, intergenerational trauma, health inequity and systemic discrimination experienced by many First Nations people and communities has significantly impacted the social wellbeing of Treaty #3. Sustainable funding is required to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of our own solutions to address the mental health needs of our own communities,” stated Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief for Grand Council Treaty #3.
“The mental health and addiction emergency devastating our Anishinaabeg communities is a direct result of our shared generational trauma, systemic oppression, and collective experience with assimilation. In our area, numbers have shown we have the highest rates of opioid poisoning in the entire North-West catchment area. It brings hope, with this resolution that through collaboration, unity, and shared vision of mino-bimaadiziwin, our people can overcome adversity with strength, resilience, and truth,” stated Chief Wayne Smith, Board Chair of Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services.