Onion Lake Cree Nation seeking solutions after violent incidents

The Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN) has declared a state of emergency after a recent series of violent incidents.

In a media release, the OLCN said it’s seeking assistance from the provincial and federal governments after what it called “a rash of drug- and gang-related activity which has directly led to increased violence in the community.”

The OLCN said the RCMP was involved in a high-speed chase through the community Tuesday. Later that day, a search and rescue team found the body of 32-year-old Braden Richard Bull, who had been reported missing on Jan. 17.

Then, on Tuesday evening, a stolen vehicle was driven into the side of the OLCN Arena after a hockey game, causing extensive damage.

According to the media release, “officials found what is believed to be gang-affiliated graffiti inside the vehicle involved in the collision.”

“The Nation has now experienced three deaths directly related to drugs and gang activity within the last two months, along with numerous high-speed chases and violent crimes,” the media release added.

OLCN chief and council held an emergency meeting Wednesday in hopes of finding a solution. That led to the declaration of a state of emergency.

“The RCMP are working hard and trying their best but they need more help. Their resources are stretched too thin and our community needs the support of both levels of government before it gets worse,” OLCN Okimaw Henry Lewis said in the release.

“We need the government to come to our tables and help us create a gang strategy and find solutions that will work for our nation,” Lewis added. “We need to increase policing resources, bring in external gang units or whatever is necessary to help our community members feel safe.”

Lewis addressed the concerns at a news conference on Friday.

“It’s something that not only affects our nation but it affects surrounding nations and municipalities around us,” he said.

In an interview with CKSA TV Lewis explained some members feel lost.

“They’re trying to reach out but they don’t know who to reach out to,” he said. “These are the people we are thinking about-our young people.”

One of the recommendations Lewis had is a safe house for the community, hoping to have it up and running in one month.

“We have to constantly reassure our band membership we are trying to do whatever it takes to promote that feeling of safety within the nation,” he explained.

Lewis said the Critical Response Centre is deploying more personnel into the community to join the 14 RCMP members.

There are also plans to double Onion Lake’s security program.

Onion Lake is about 50 kilometres north of Lloydminster.