WINNIPEG – Leaders of four northern Manitoba First Nations have declared a regional public health emergency in response to the opioid, toxic drug supply, HIV, hepatitis C and homelessness crisis. The affected communities including Red Sucker Lake, Wasagamack, Garden Hill and St. Theresa Point are located in the province’s remote northeast corner, where rising drug use, housing instability and increasing HIV infections are placing further strain on already limited resources. “This is a state of emergency for our young families,” said Samuel Knott, who is the chief of Red Sucker Lake Anisininew Nation, which is about 1,200 kilometres north of Winnipeg. “Our young people deserve to grow up watching ceremonies, not overdoses.” Since 2017, 93 HIV cases were recorded across the four nations, with Garden Hill declaring an outbreak this past January. St. Theresa Point alone has recorded 27 new HIV diagnoses since January 2025, and a first newly diagnosed AIDS case as of June 9, 2026. The issue of rising HIV cases across Manitoba prompted the province to declare a public health emergency to combat the rise in cases, but some First Nations leaders say these situations could have been prevented with better access to resources and support. “A person living with HIV cannot maintain a medication routine in an overcrowded home,” said Victor Walker, who is a councillor for St. Theresa Point. “A person seeking recovery cannot stabilize in a community where one in four houses cannot be lived in.” The Anisininew Okimawin Grand Council (AOGC), which represents the four nations, is calling for immediate action: Since 2017, 93 HIV cases were recorded across the four nations, with active outbreaks declared in St. Theresa Point, and most recently Garden Hill this past January. St. Theresa Point has recorded 27 new HIV diagnoses since January 2025 and recently had its first AIDS case, which was declared on June 9. The four nations, under the AOGC, are calling on the government of Canada and the province of Manitoba to enter a sustained, treaty-based partnership to find solutions to these ongoing issues. “We are not here to assign blame, we are here to issue an invitation,” said AOGC Grand Chief Alex McDougall in a statement. “The era of crisis response must end, and the era of prevention, partnership, and Anisininew-led care must begin.” Some leaders are hoping this request doesn’t fall on deaf ears. “I don’t know how many times we’ve had press conferences about this issue,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. “This is something that we continually talk about, and nothing is getting done.” In a statement to CTV News, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, Bernadette Smith says the Manitoba government will continue to support First Nations communities across the province. “Over the past year, we’ve supported Indigenous-led organizations in opening 1,200 treatment spaces that ensure access to culturally appropriate addictions treatment. We’ve also created virtual RAAM drop-in clinics and invested in the Minoayawin Mobile Outreach Program to eliminate barriers and bring treatment directly to the communities that need it,” said Smith in a statement. “This harm reduction approach and our continued efforts to remove toxic drugs before they enter our communities will remain our focus as we work to give Manitobans the supports they need. We continue to be a willing partner with the federal government as we work towards supporting First Nations communities throughout Manitoba.” On March 27, 2026, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) announced nearly $1.4 billion in funding to strengthen health, wellness, and community supports for Indigenous Peoples. This investment includes $630 million over two years to expand mental wellness services and enhance wraparound supports for opioid agonist therapy. In a statement, ISC spokesperson Maryéva Métellus said they are working with the First Nations on “immediate and long-term supports to improve health services and outcomes in the Island Lake First Nations.” “More needs to be done to support the four Anisininew First Nations in the challenges they face, and Indigenous Services Canada will continue to work with Chief and Council to support community-led solutions to the current challenges in the community,” said Métellus. Earlier this year, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in northern Manitoba declared a state of emergency, in response to a mental health crisis marked by multiple suicides in that community. Just last month, Sayisi Dene First Nation in northern Manitoba also declared a state of emergency due to severe addiction and violence.
