Yukon First Nation seeks help combating ‘opioid emergency’ causing death, crime
Global News
The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun has declared a state of emergency and called for a meeting with the Yukon government, the RCMP and the Village of Mayo to develop an action plan.
A small Yukon First Nation says it’s dealing with an “opioid emergency” that is terrorizing citizens and families with violence, crime, overdoses and death.
The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun in Mayo, 400 kilometres north of Whitehorse, declared a state of emergency Thursday and called for a meeting with the Yukon government, the RCMP and the Village of Mayo to develop an action plan to protect its members.
The declaration says the “emergency must be addressed immediately in order to protect the lives of (its) citizens, ensure public safety and promote community wellness.”
It says the action plan could include increased law enforcement within its territory, limiting when non-citizens can be on settlement land, check stops, or the eviction of tenants in First Nations housing who are engaged in illegal activities.
The plan could also include “action to warn and protect people who use drugs,” and treatment opportunities for its citizens.
The declaration comes after a double homicide on Saturday of two Whitehorse men whose bodies were found on a main roadway belonging to the First Nation.
Yukon RCMP said in a statement Monday about the deaths that police were “aware of the impact of the substance use emergency on the community of Mayo,” and were actively supporting community safety.
Tracy-Anne McPhee, who is both the territory’s health and justice minister, said the government has been working with the First Nation and the community since before the weekend, and a community meeting is being planned.
