Chief Conrad Ritchie has issued a Declaration of State of Emergency at Saugeen First Nation (SFN) as a result of drug use considered to be an epidemic.
According to a source, drug-related deaths due to drug overdoses from 2018 to September, 2022 was at 33 and, recently, there have been more deaths bringing the total higher.
Chief Ritchie issue the Declaration to all members of SFN on December 9th with a follow-up video on December 12th.
In his Declaration, he states that “… a Community Safety Task Force will be formed to take a collaborate approach to concerns raised from Saugeen members around drugs, gangs and weapons.”
According to the Chief, status updates will “… be provided weekly, each Friday, throughout the duration of the State of Emergency.
Members who reside at Saugeen are advised to contact Crime Stoppers to report any suspicious activity at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
