The Anishinabek Nation's declared a state of emergency over funding for policing in its communities.
Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe says Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously approved the declaration to "highlight the urgency and seriousness of the policing crisis", emphasizing "it is essential for Canada to acknowledge and address the systemic barriers and discriminatory practices that hinder the safety and well-being of our citizens", demanding "equitable resources and support for our policing services to ensure the security and justice our communities need and deserve".
The federal NDP - including Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes - have been pressing on funding for First Nations policing, after the funding agreement for the Anishinabek Police Service, United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police - as well as Treaty Three Police - expired at the end of March, with the Indigenous groups accusing the federal government of refusing "meaningful negotiations" for "more equitable agreements" rather than the take-it-or-leave-it contracts presented by the government.
In addition to the emergency declaration, the Anishinabek Nation's mandating support efforts aimed at restoring resources for safe and equitable policing across Anishinabek territory, advocation for the Essential Police Service Designation through legislation, preparation of a litigation action plan if significant progress is not made by August, and a status update for the Fall Grand Council Assembly.