First Nations take action to drive out illegal drug dealers

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#IllegalDrugTrade

Alberta, Nov 22 (Canadian-Media): Bylaws had been signed on Wednesday by Chiefs from the O’Chiese and Sunchild First Nation to empower two Central Alberta First Nations to drive out the illegal drug trade to improve the lives of local youth, media reports said.

The chiefs of the O’Chiese First Nation and Sunchild First Nation sign a bylaw to evict drug dealers from their communities on Nov. 20, 2019
Image credit: Facebook

Overwhelming support for the new bylaws were received, from the residents of O’Chiese and Sunchild First Nations, with great assurance to work collaboratively with the RCMP on enforcement of the new bylaws and all aspects of the criminal justice system.

​A body made up of seven First Nations community members was formed to handle penalties and appeals.

“This is an historic event for both nations… we’re a strong nation as one,” said Chief Douglas Beaverbones of the O’Chiese First Nation.

O'Chiese and Sunchild First Nations enact bylaws to evict drug dealers: "This is exactly what we need to ensure our residents are safe.” https://t.co/krwtP3yBlx

— Global News Radio 880 Edmonton (@880Edmonton) November 20, 2019

During Wednesday’s signing ceremony Chief Beaverbones described the agony he had felt watching his community suffer and said, 

“It hurt me to see them like that, I wanted to help,” 

Both First Nations were well aware of the difficulties they would have to face and the amount of pushback they may have to endure but they said “It may be tough, but we’re doing it for the kids.”

“We need to look beyond our struggles, we need to look past the wrongdoings and instead, heal from it,” said Elder Advisor Theresa Strawberry.