December 20, 2023

Press Release: For Immediate Release

Since the City of Minneapolis by resolution declared the unsheltered at Nenookaasi encampment a public health emergency, we, the Metro Urban Indian Directors demand the city, county and state jurisdictions assign professionals to provide oversight and resources to Nenookaasi residents to ensure their needs are met for drug treatment, mental health, and shelter immediately. In the meantime, we demand a security force of multi-jurisdictional law enforcement to ensure that the camp does not continue to grow and allows for the current residents to be resourced with the necessary services. By the city estimates, there are approximately 100 people living in Nenookaasi, 88 can be housed by the end of the week leaving a small number to seek shelter.

This demand comes from community members who are threatened with retaliation if they come forward expressing their fears. The encampment draws predatory behavior by those who would prey on vulnerable adults, this endangers those in the camp and in the surrounding neighborhood.

We have collectively requested action since prior to the public health emergency declaration.

We demand immediate action as the outside temperature will eventually drop and none of our relatives should be sleeping under plastic tarps. The directors call for a swift and comprehensive response to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of all individuals affected by this crisis.

In community,
Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) Membership www.muidmn.org