Officers dispatched to Ontario native reserve in crisis

TORONTO — Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley says two police officers have been dispatched to help restore order at a northwestern Ontario native reserve in crisis.

Two Ontario Provincial Police officers arrived Tuesday, he said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

"The chief says that this will allow for 24-7 policing, which is good," he said.

The fly-in community -- about 200 kilometres north of Thunder Bay -- declared a state of emergency due to increasing murders, gang fights, arsons and animal cruelty.

The community already had five police officers to respond to calls that come in 24 hours a day.

Band leaders have put out repeated calls for help from all levels of government as they attempt to deal with the problems.

Federal officials are expected to arrive later today. A previous trip was cancelled due to bad weather.

Once they've assessed the situation, they can co-ordinate efforts with provincial officials and "figure out where we go," Bentley said.

There are a number of federal and provincial programs underway at the First Nation, he added.

The community is currently receiving $275,000 from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to help buy supplies for night patrols, and to repair a school damaged by arson.

"This is really about recognizing all that work that's already going on," he said. "How do we co-ordinate our efforts -- all three parties -- so that we can get the community to where it wants to be, rather than where it feels it is," Bentley said.

Sharon Johnston, wife of Gov. Gen. David Johnston, and Ruth Ann Onley, wife of Ontario Lt.-Gov. David Onley, visited the reserve Thursday.

Eabametoong, also known as Fort Hope, is home to 1,200 people and has seen three murders, about 50 arsons, 59 thefts and break-ins, and numerous drug-related incidents this year.

Bentley, who visited the reserve Oct. 23, said he's impressed with the First Nation's "soul-searching effort" to come up with a solution to the problems that have plagued their community.

"I was impressed with the fact that the community really was taking ownership of this issue," he said.