‘A funeral every week’: Drug deaths prompt protest on Siksika First Nation | 24CA News
A bunch of largely moms and grandmothers marched down a avenue in Gleichen, Alta., on Friday to lift consciousness in regards to the drug disaster on the Siksika First Nation. Each had their very own story to inform about how drug use has impacted them.
Pamela Edwards described her son Seth as sensible, compassionate and pleasant.
Seth was simply 24 years-old when he died of a heroine overdose final month.
“It affects the whole community, not just my family. It affects everybody, especially when they see me hurting,” Edwards stated.
Each particular person on the protest had their very own story to inform about how drug use impacted their households.
“Us grandmothers are picking up the pieces from our children and our grandchildren. It really has an effect on us,” stated protest organizer Charlene Crane Bear.
“We have a funeral every week, sometimes two every week. It’s our children who are suffering,” stated Gabriella Many Shots, who additionally helped set up the rally. “This is just a raise awareness so that people out there will know what we’re going through as a nation.”
The protestors gathered at a spot they are saying is well-known for being related to an area drug seller.
Edwards stated a part of the issue is individuals coming from outdoors the First Nation to promote medicine and residents not reporting it.
“Communities need to speak out and let us know where these people are, and let the police know. It isn’t going to be something that’s going to be spread around the reserve. It’s confidential,” Edwards stated.
“We need to try to get these drug dealers off our reserve or get them banished until they could be a civilized citizen on our reserve.”
“Some folks get charged but that’s about it. They come back into town and they just do it all over again. It’s never-ending, so we really need help,” Many Shots stated.
Siksika Nation stated there are 4 peace officers and there are plans to ship two extra people for coaching in August.
Plans are additionally within the works to reestablish the Nation’s personal police power.
In June, development of the brand new public security constructing began that may function the headquarters for the Nation’s peace officers, safety personnel and the brand new police power.
The Nation now has its personal prosecutor, enabling the nation to successfully prosecute violators and implement its bylaws.
Siksika Minor Chief Reuben Breaker stated RCMP at the moment are capable of implement native bylaws like trespassing.
“The tide has turned. We are in control of our land. With the support of RCMP on bylaws, we are in control now,” Breaker stated. “We have our peace officers, as well, who are going to enforce our bylaws.
“If anybody thinks they can come on here and get away with stuff – it’s going to be a little tougher now.”
People attending the rally in Gleichen on Friday morning stated it’s necessary to have their voices heard to assist save lives.
“This is a good start to raise that awareness, but I think it needs to go on a bigger level. It’s a global issue for sure and we need to be doing more about it,” stated Cindy Metz-Dowey.
Earlier this month Alberta officers introduced $30 million in funding for a brand new restoration facility at Siksika Nation.
The facility can have 75 beds and supply dependancy remedy for as much as 300 individuals per 12 months
Construction on the Siksika facility is anticipated to start in 2024.
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