KENORA, Ontario, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The chief of a Canadian Indian tribe in a remote part of Ontario says it is being torn apart by drug abuse with three killings and almost 50 arsons this year.
Chief Lewis Nate of Eabametoong First Nation asked for help Friday, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
"The situation in our community has escalated out of control. Please help the people of Eabametoong," Nate said. "We're in a situation where people are living in fear. We are in a situation where we can't function as a community in all areas of our lives."
About 1,200 people live in the community on Eabamet Lake, almost 200 miles north of Thunder Bay and reachable only by plane. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service has five officers there.
Nate said young people abusing prescription drugs are responsible for much of the violence.
Greg Rickford, who represents the area in Parliament, said the community is to receive money to rebuild its school, which was gutted by an arson fire. Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs staff are scheduled to arrive next week.
