THOMPSON — The chief of a northern Manitoba First Nation says her community is so overwhelmed by drugs and the resulting violence that her members live in fear.

Sayisi Dene First Nation has declared a state of emergency and called on provincial and federal governments for better policing and mental health and addiction supports.

The fly-in community about 325 kilometres north of Thompson sees an RCMP presence about once a month, with two officers travelling there, often for less than a day.

Chief Kelly-Ann Thom‑Duck says recent violence has members scared to visit the band office or grocery store, and that previous conversations with the RCMP have led “nowhere.”

Premier Wab Kinew says keeping people safe is a “top priority” and that the province will work with the community.

An RCMP spokesperson says more officers have been added to the Thompson rural detachment, and patrols are set to increase in the coming months.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2026.

The Canadian Press