Sask. First Nation threatens to evict residents of suspected drug houses
A Saskatchewan First Nation has declared a state of emergency after a spate of seven overdoses in a single day.
“We must do something, and this is our first step; our leadership is taking urgent measures to address the drug problem in the community,” Red Pheasant Cree Nation Chief Lux Benson said in a news release.
A representative for the First Nation said community leaders were in meetings all day on Monday to talk about how to deal with issues from overdose prevention and mental health treatment to interrupting the drug supply.
"How can we get dealers off reserve? That's a big one for us," Austin Ahenakew told CTV News.
Over the next week, Ahenakew said community leaders will be reaching out to partners at Indigenous Services Canada and other local groups to develop a strategy.
No one died as a result of the overdoses, and Ahenakew says staff at the community's clinic were able to reverse a number of the overdoses using narcan — a drug that blocks the effects of opioid drugs like fentanyl.
“Going forward, we definitely want to get it in more hands and people trained on the use of it," he said.
The other side of the coin for Red Pheasant leadership is enforcement.
On Saturday, Red Pheasant’s leadership called on police to step up their presence in the community.
“One of the key partners we need in this effort is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who have the mandate and the expertise to enforce the law and disrupt the supply of illicit substances. We urge the RCMP to step up and help us address this challenge by increasing their presence, resources, and collaboration.”
According to Benson, residents in houses suspected of drug dealing activity are being told they could have their utilities disconnected and houses boarded up.
So far, Ahenakew says no one is getting evicted, but people are being warned.
"We want to give people a chance to stop what they're doing if they're selling drugs."
He said there was also discussion about hiring security officers.
In its statement, Red Pheasant calls on both the federal health minister and the Government of Saskatchewan sit down to discuss a health care strategy “that will work” for First Nations.
“Red Pheasant believes these actions are necessary to protect the Treaty and the inherent rights of First Nations people and to ensure their health, well-being, and dignity,” the release said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.