The Onion Lake Cree Nation has declared a state of emergency because of drug and gang-related activity. The leadership says it has led to increased violence in the community.

On Tuesday, RCMP were involved in a high-speed chase through the community and, only hours later, the body of Braden Richard Bull of Little Pine First Nation was discovered near the community.

After that, a stolen vehicle drove into a wall of the local arena, causing extensive damage. Officials found what is believed to be gang-related graffiti inside the vehicle.

The leadership says the community has experienced three deaths related to drugs and gangs in the last two months. They are now hoping that the federal and provincial governments will step in. They say the RCMP are stretched to the limit and need help.

Onion Lake has about four thousand people living on reserve. It’s located about 50 km north of Lloydminster.