First Nations Declare Regional Health Emergency | Winnipeg News

Winnipieg News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

Four First Nations in northern Manitoba have declared a regional public health emergency, citing soaring crises in toxic drug use, HIV, hepatitis C, and homelessness. The Anisinew Okimawin Grand Council is demanding long-term federal and provincial funding for medicine, harm reduction, and treatment — plus investment in a regional hospital and First Nations policing. This follows Manitoba’s own emergency declaration and comes as Indigenous communities face disproportionate harm. Grand Chief Alex McDougall calls for partnership, not blame, to shift from crisis response to community-led…