The Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) is holding a news conference on Wednesday in Saskatoon to highlight its concerns about the crime rate and gang activity in area First Nations. The MLTC is also calling for a First Nation controlled and fully funded policing service.

In a news release Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman said, “The lack of police presence is causing serious injury and death in our communities.” MLTC leadership also says the availability and potency of mind-altering drugs has also increased which correlates to unpredictable and dangerous behavior.

In the interim, the Tribal Council says it will continue to advocate for immediate approval for three Community Safety Officers per First Nation, along with security surveillance cameras. The Meadow Lake Tribal Council wants the First Nations wants funding to cover local detachments, holding cells and officer housing.

Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) communities include Birch Narrows, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation, Clearwater River Dene Nation, English River First Nation, Flying Dust First Nation, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, and Waterhen Lake First Nation.