BR First Nations Stop Drugs – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
May 17, 2017

Bans and banishment are being used by two First Nations on the Prairies to curb drug use among youth in their communities and cut the risk of fentanyl overdoses.

The band council of the Sandy Bay First Nation, about 130 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, passed a motion this week to banish people caught trafficking drugs on the reserve until they get rehabilitated.

The motion includes stricter curfews at night and drug testing for band employees.

In southwestern Alberta, the Kanai First Nation — also known as the Blood Tribe First Nation — has passed a bylaw that forbids non-band members from entering the territory without a permit.

As well, non-members who do business on the reserve will be charged extra fees.

Sandy Bay Chief Lance Roulette says council members will meet soon with Manitoba Justice officials to determine how the band’s move could be implemented.

Roulette admits enforcement won’t be easy and he’s expecting some opposition from First Nation members who may be concerned about human rights issues.

Kanai Chief Roy Fox says the permit system addresses the inability of authorities to deal with outsiders who travel freely on First Nation land.

He says the change will allow police to narrow down who should or should not rightfully be on Blood territory.

Kanai declared a state of emergency in March 2015, after 20 people died and 60 suffered non-fatal overdoses in the previous six months. (CBC)

(The Canadian Press, Online Out)

INDEX: HEALTH SOCIAL JUSTICE