Efforts continue by members of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to stop a declared drug crisis in their community.
A State of Emergency was announced on December 22, 2025.
Chief Kimberly Bressette told Sarnia News Today her community has not been immune to recent trends across the country.
"Like every community, and every municipality, we've been facing the drug crisis," Bressette said. "Increased drug activity, increased drug related deaths and just over the years it's got a little alarming."
Bressette said the community already has some great resources, including its Mental Health and Wellness Hub.
"A lot of people do access our health services," she said. "They run a lot of traditional healing workshops, and traditional teachings. The hub has sweat lodges, trauma recovery groups, they have a recovery home where people can stay when they come back from treatment and there are a number of our members away [receiving] treatment currently."
Before the State of Emergency was declared, Bressette said the hub hired a doctor who can provide medication to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
"So, they don't even have to leave the community," she said. "I've heard feedback from some of the community members that families are happy they're not always having to take them off the reserve or to Sarnia to get these services."
But, Bressette said the recent death of a young community member heightened concerns and prompted requests for further action.
She said she had conversations with Indigenous Services Canada and Ontario Health representatives right away.
"They agreed, we have a pretty good program going now. I think it's just trying to address more support for the police and emergency services. Things like that in the community that have gaps in services," she said.
Bressette said they welcome community voices as they seek solutions.
"We do have a plan to have many engagement groups with the community, education on drug use, and also the processes that police have to go through when they're charging people and the courts so that the community really understands," she said.
Bressette thinks improvements can be made in the ability to submit tips on suspicious activity and how drugs are entering the community, and there could be enhancements to regular outreach, so those who are struggling are checked on more often.
