WHEREAS:

• The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun (the “FNNND”) is dealing with an opioid emergency that is terrorizing the public in Mayo, including FNNND citizens and families, with violence, crime, overdoses and death and this emergency must be addressed immediately in order to protect the lives of FNNND citizens, ensure public safety and promote community wellness;
• Section 10 of the Government Act, which was approved by the Assembly in 2006, sets out the emergency powers of the Council as follows:
  • Emergency Powers
  • 10.  (1)   Where the Council has determined on reasonable grounds that there is an emergency, it may take such steps as it considers necessary to represent or protect us, our rights, titles or interests, or to implement our laws in response to the emergency.
  •         (2)   Where the Council exercises its authority under subsection (1), it shall concurrently or at the first opportunity thereafter make arrangements to convene a meeting of the Assembly.
  •         (3)   An exercise of authority under subsection (1) shall be effective until the termination of the emergency or until the conclusion of the next meeting of the Assembly, or for ninety (90) days, whichever is sooner.
• The Council must act now and work with the Yukon government, RCMP and Village of Mayo to address this opioid emergency, in a coordinated manner, before other FNNND citizens are lost to this emergency.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council determines that the present opioid emergency constitutes an “emergency” within the meaning of section 10 of the Government Act and that the Council declares a “State of Emergency”, and must take steps, without delay, to protect FNNND citizens and their families.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Council directs that:

1. the FNNND enter into discussions with senior representatives of the Yukon government, RCMP and Village of Mayo as soon as possible to develop an action plan (the “Action Plan”) that sets out specific steps to protect the public, including FNNND citizens and their families, from the violence of this opioid emergency and ensure that the community is safe and that community healing and wellness are realized;
2. the Action Plan may include the following measures:
   • an increased law enforcement presence within the FNNND traditional territory;
   • a requirement for all non-FNNND citizens, except for representatives of the FNNND, Yukon government and RCMP, to:
     • vacate FNNND settlement lands between the hours of 8:00 pm and 7:00 am; and
     • register with the FNNND before entering FNNND settlement land at any time;
   • the establishment of check-stops on all roads entering Mayo or C-6 to disrupt, interrupt and stop opioid distribution;
   • the eviction of tenants in NND housing units who are engaged in illegal activities or supporting such activities or persons involved in opioid distribution;
   • the establishment of an integrated team of senior representatives of the FNNND, Yukon government, RCMP and Village of Mayo to oversee the implementation of the Action Plan and, where appropriate, make suggestions for its effective and efficient implementation;
   • the establishment of proactive action to warn and protect people who use drugs;
   • the availability of treatment opportunities for FNNND citizens; and
   • other appropriate steps and measures.
3. the specific measures set out in the Action Plan must be enforceable and, where possible, have a coordinated and integrated approach for implementation and enforcement by the FNNND, Yukon government, RCMP and Village of Mayo; and
4. the draft Action Plan be developed, in consultation with FNNND citizens and residents of Mayo, the Yukon Government, and the RCMP and the final draft of the Action Plan be provided to the Assembly for its review and consideration.

Moved By: Hilda Germaine          Seconded By: Andy Lucas