Increasing homelessness and addiction issues prompt summit in Nipissing First Nation

A wellness summit exploring homelessness and addiction problems in Nipissing First Nation wrapped up on Friday. 

Several groups took part in the event, including health officials, police, elders, experts, community members and leaders. 

The goal was to have conversations and get on the same page about how the community can best respond to the growing number of encampments and substance use issues reported in the wider traditional lands.

Chief Cathy Stevens says some of the unhoused people in the community are First Nation members, but others are coming in from neighbouring municipalities. 

"We disperse them back to their municipality… but then they get chased back out," she said. "It's like we're playing ping-pong with homelessness people, which is a really sad analogy." 

Stevens says homelessness looks different in her community than it does in more urban areas, where the issue tends to be more visible. 

"You rarely see somebody panhandling or sleeping on the ground," she said. "In the First Nation, it's hidden because people are just underhoused." 

During the summit, it was noted that some community members in precarious situations are staying on couches, living in badly insulated trailers or sheds. 

Homelessness manifests itself differently in First Nations: chief

Hunters and trappers from the community also report seeing more and more tents being set up in the bush. 

"We have health concerns for them," said Stevens.

 "There's human waste ending up in local water streams [...] woodstoves being used in makeshift homes. It's unsafe, unsanitary, and environmentally unfriendly." 

According to Stevens, efforts are underway to boost outreach capacities and connect people with existing supports and services. 

Plans are also in the works to hire medical professionals who could provide care and withdrawal management for people wanting to undergo land-based treatment.

Stevens says that, in the long-term, the community is trying to obtain funding that would enable the construction of added affordable housing.