Wiikwemkoong Takes Emergency Action on Drug-Related Violence

After a drug-related shooting in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory this past weekend, Wikwemikong Chief and Council meet to address community safety threats and take unprecedented measures to address drug trafficking.

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Ontario – May 4, 2025 — In a Sunday evening emergency meeting Wikwemikong Chief and Council considered an Emergency Community Safety Package aimed at addressing the recent escalation of drug-related offences in the community while also protecting the safety, health, and well-being of Wiikwemkoong residents.

The package included several motions for consideration. Three Band Council Resolutions were passed including the declaration of a 90-day Emergency Community Safety Response Period; direction to legal counsel to draft a Wiikwemkoong Community Protection and Recovery Law which is to include, among other orders, conditional exclusion and conditional return orders whereby community members, that commit drug-related offences, will be removed from Wiikwemkoong for a minimum of two years.

In a joint announcement held earlier today with Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS), Ogimaa (Chief) Tim Ominika stressed that these decisions “are not about punishing people who are sick” but rather are “about addressing the mental health and addictions that are impacting our community.” Ominika went on further to say that “Council has made a decision that we are protecting our community, our members, our elders, our youth and the future.” Before sharing information on WTPS initiatives and goals of the WTPS Drug Strategy WTPS Chief of Police Ron Gignac thanked Ogimaa Ominika for the work that he and council have undertaken in this regard.

Other motions from the Emergency Community Safety Package will be further considered by Chief and Council at a follow-up meeting expected to happen later this week. Additionally, Ogimaa Ominika will convene a Community Safety Emergency Table meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5 pm at the Wasse Abin High School Gymnasium.

Media Contact:
Ogimaa (Chief) Tim Ominika
Ogimaaominika@wiikwemkoong.ca