Leadership at the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation say violence and drug abuse is running rampant and are looking to the two senior level of government for assistance.

The chief and council held a Monday news conference to talk about the current situation—following a homicide at Deschambault Lake last Friday.

Chief Karen Bird says immediate provincial and federal government funds are needed to shore up law enforcement to battle gangs, violence and illicit drug use, particularly methamphetamine.

Pelican Narrows councillor Sara Swann says the situation is even worse than it was when a state of emergency was declared in October.

Enforcing law is difficult on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) due to its size (51,000 square kilometres) and population (approximately 12,000 people).  There are eight communities in the PCBN—Pelican Narrows, Deschambault Lake, Denare Beach, Sandy Bay, Sturgeon Landing, Southend, Kinoosao, and portions of Prince Albert.

Chief Bird says a letter has been sent to senior levels of government pleading for resources to stabilize the situation. She notes that a previous request did not produce any results.