Chippewas call for drug-free community after 4 near-fatal overdoses

The chief and council of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation have a strict message for people selling deadly drugs in their community leave.

"Drugs will not be tolerated in our community. Those who supply the community with drugs are going to be met with resistance," said Chief Myeengun Henry in an emergency community meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting, attended by about 200 members, was organized after the community's police service issued a warning about four near-fatal overdoses. The incidents involved people using drugs laced with fentanyl.

They all happened last week within a 24-hour period.

Police officers administered naloxone in each caseto help revive the people involved.

• 2 resuscitated at London's temporary overdose prevention site

"This is the most important subject I see surrounding our people today because we are losing people in this world to a very dangerous drug," said Henry.

Help from police

Representatives from several communities including Munsee-Delaware Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames attended the meeting, whichcalled for a collaborative effort to tackle the drug issue.

• Mackie stands behind fentanyl-in-pot warning, despite 'spirited' backlash

The council also voiced the need for help from local experts, including community-based and province-wide police services. Representatives from those services were present on Tuesday.

"To police what do you want us to do? We want to know the resources you need to tackle this," said councillor Beverly Deleary.

"An important part is to hear from police and ask them 'what do you guys need to do your job?'"

Part of the discussion revolved around the need for a detoxification and child care centre in the community.

'We need to talk'

Tears filled the community's multi-purpose centre as several people shared experiences with how drug have affected their lives.

Councillor Darlene Whitecalf's 39-year-old daughter died two months ago after an incident involvingfentanyl-laced cocaine.

"We need to share and we need to talk," she said. "It's the hardest thing to have to face and you're not facing (it)alone."

Analoxonekit was also passed around for viewing.