Band members want action on drugs and drug dealers: drug initiatives and plans to stem drugs revealed by council
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By James Wastasecoot
Peguis, Sept. 12, 2024 Following a protest march on September 10 by residents demanding action on drugs and drug-dealers in Peguis, the council and residents met at the outdoor hall to talk about solutions. “It’s a heavy topic,” said Chief Stan Bird. “But our anger should be directed in a good way.” Over four hundred braved a chilling east wind that blew through the rafters, many of them elders wrapped in blankets and winter gear.
Chief Executive Officer Pam Favel read off a list of initiatives and accomplishments since the last meeting on drugs on June 12, 2024 where bitter acrimony and finger pointing broke out, with band members repeatedly pressing for more aggressive action against drugs and drug-dealers. A handout was distributed listing recent initiatives, including a meeting with Norway House council to gain insights into a community surveillance system. Public places such as the Mall and the churches – where drug dealers meet to organize – were named as possible best locations. A community safety plan is being developed and funding is available upon approval, said Chief Operating Officer, Cindy Spence. . Peguis has experimented with a drug bylaw which proved unproductive. This again is on the list and will be part of the bylaw review. Crime Stoppers and Neighbourhood Watch are being examined. The council has signed a Band Council Resolution to ban non-band members who are drug dealers. Check points at entry points to Peguis which were enforced during COVID, but which are expensive and fraught with legalities, were not on the list, but it suggested by some residents. The complete list of new initiatives are now posted on the Peguis website at https://peguis.ca. Terra Indigena news will publish the list in its next issue on Sept. 29th.
Home invasions fuelled by Drugs spurs citizens to march in protest in Peguis
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By James Wastasecoot
Peguis Sept. 9, 2024 - Following two home invasions and violent beatings administered to residents by persons identified as drug dealers last weekend, concerned citizens marched on the Peguis council chambers to demand action. RCMP in Fisher Branch have not commented on the incidents, or confirmed that anyone has a laid a complaint to date. The protest march of twelve band members started at the Open Air Hall and ended at the Peguis Mall council chambers. The protesters demanded that the council act to protect the safety of band members including children whose lives are being put at risk by drugs and violence. “Where are our leaders? Stand behind us, we need to do something now,” said Trish Spence into a megaphone that amplified her voice as she led the march from the Open Air hall to the Peguis Mall. One placard read: “Activate the Peguis Drug Bylaw! BCR the drug dealers off.” At the entrance to the council chambers, members of the council stood watching. As the group approached, the council opened their doors and invited the marchers in.
Melvin Spence led off the meeting demanding action from the council. He said that there is a serious drug problem in Peguis which the council must address. “If you can’t handle it, you should resign!” he told the council members as Chief Bird invited everyone to sit and discuss the issue.
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Netley Creek settlement: an outstanding question of reserve and band status
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BY TREVOR GREYEYES
Netley Creek Reserve was an established First Nation before the signing of Treaty 1. Treaty 1 was signed on Aug. 3, 1871 at lower Fort Garry.
In fact, my ancestor KAYA-JIESKEBINOA, or L’homme Noir, as the French traders called him, was the leader of that community who participated in the negoti-ations and agreed to the Selkirk Treaty.
I am just giving the reader a quick update on information that I found while working as the Manitoba Museum Writer-in-residence for two years with the bulk of the research done by Manitoba Museum researcher Anne Lindsay. Anything I write about here is properly annotated and backed up. And will be included in a book that I am writing.
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Survivors of Mackay Indian Residential School carry on healing journey and catch up
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BY JAMES WASTASECOOT
Former students of Mackay School in Dauphin, Manitoba came together Aug 30 – Sept 1, 2024 to catch up, remember and share their experiences as well as to chart future endeavours. “The gatherings help us to deal with issues in our lives and being together helps us to discuss how we were affected by the residential school system,” said Alice Bear who works with Peguis Child and Family. “ It is a start to understanding our-selves.”
This year’s gathering was smaller than previous years. Thirty four turned out to the venue at the Dauphin Friendship Centre, the actual Mackay School site not being avail-able. “But it doesn’t diminish the importance of these meetings,” said Bear, who is also a board member of the Mackay Residential School Gathering Inc., the charity which the former students began in 2010. “It’s important that we continue to make progress and we reach out to other groups in the future.”
Read more: Survivors of Mackay Indian Residential School carry on healing journey and catch up
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