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.
Trish Spence, a band member who is a drug addictions councellor in Fisher River, said: “I’m here for our people, not to put blame on people, because I know that it’s nobody’s blame.” She urged practical measures be taken to address drugs in the community. The Wellness team and NNADAP team should be expanded because Peguis people are showing up in Fisher River for help, she said. “We need people to be mobile.” And not be confined to their desks. When people need help, a phone call to a number in Winnipeg is inadequate when person to person support is urgently needed. “If staff are burning out, ask someone from the community to join the team.”
Others in the meeting reminded the council of the April 2024 meeting held at the community hall where council promised action on drugs and drug dealers, some of whom are hired on as staff in departments, according to Melvin Spence. From the public’s perspective, the appearance is that council is not doing anything.
Drugs are an increasing problem in First Nation communities with one community having hired the Bear Clan to operate checkpoints and seize contraband on the reserve. Chief Stan Bird said, “We support what you’re doing. We want to have a conversation about the things that we’re working on.” He distributed a sheet listing the drug-related initiatives currently being rolled out in the communty. Among these are: A Community Safety Planning Committee, Visit to Norway House (which has a community surveillance system in place), Aboriginal Policing Consultation and other initiatives. Chief Bird said that in light of the incidents and community concern, the council will call an emergency meeting to revisit the drugs and drug dealers “very soon.”
Following the meeting, Councillor Donna Sutherland provided more details to Terra Indigean on some initiatives. Regular and ongoing communication with RCMP is taking place at the working level with the Peguis First Nation Safety Officers. This includes Patrolling some parts of Peguis on a weekly basis with RCMP accompaniment. For example, there is a weekly walk-through at the Peguis apartments and a list is produced monthly to council which itemizes incidents where RCMP have been involved in. She said that council does have a long list of persons believed to be involved in selling drugs on the reserve, but the list lacks evidence that Chief Bird said council has been advised to treat cautiousously on legal grounds, with the potential that unproven allegations could lead to a violation of human rights. He asked the group if steps such as banishment by Band Council Resolution, or withholding social payments are really an effective answer when families. “It’s importan that the community have a say. We will do what the community wants.”
Update Sept. 10, 2024
Peguis couuncil met with RCMP today in Peguis to discuss drugs and violence in Peguis. RCMP confirmed that, so far, no one has laid information with the force that would provide grounds for an investigation into recent home invasions in Peguis. The council has called a band meeting for Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Community Hall. where more detailed information is to be provided.