First Nations should reconsider banishment, says Indigenous physician – CBC

Doctor cautions communities to focus on harm reduction rather than barring drug dealers

Nov 03, 2017

First Nations can make political decisions to remove members from their communities, but an Indigenous physician says that might not be the best approach.

“I think it’s not going to work,” Marcia Anderson said regarding whether First Nations should banish members suspected of selling drugs.

“I think it’s going to increase stigma [around drug users] and result in unintended harm.”

Earlier this week, Pine Creek First Nation made headlines after banishing one of their community members for suspected drug dealing.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-physician-says-first-nations-banishment-1.4385374