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.

CAO Pam Favel explains drugs initiatives that are in progress. 

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.

The legalities involved in the identification of drug dealers and how this is reported to the RCMP is not well understood with many residents noting that “everybody knows who the dealers are.” Cindy Spence noted that the RCMP have oversight in policing in Peguis and surrounding communities in which drugs are a major problem. Peguis First Nation Safety Officers and RCMP corporal Ryan Quin were present at the meeting, with Cpl Quinn expected to speak. However, the officer was called away to another meeting, negating an opportunity to clarify the issues and potential solutions in the future.  

Open Air Hall is packed as residents air grievances and impacts of drugs. 

Many residents shared their heart breaking experiences of the impact of drugs and came with suggestions. A sobbing grandmother said she has to take food to her daughter’s place to make sure that the grandchildren are fed. Another resident brought up how elders are being abused by their own children who demand money for drugs, leaving aging parents without food. The discussion grew heated when Sherry Sutherland got up and shared her experience taking care of her niece who was brutalized in a home invasion. She said she gives credit to the protesters who marched to the band office on Sept. 10 – not the council - for today’s meeting, “otherwise, we wouldn’t have had it”. .She said her sister brought a video to the council about the incident. She asked them if they’d seen it. Turning on the council table, she said: “You have family on drugs right? Linda? (Councillor Linda Sinclair) Your children are involved in drugs what have you done? How can you even sit there and say you’re going to do something if you can’t even help your own children. I’ve had family die. And then my niece gets beaten almost near death. You all saw that video how many months ago? What did you do? Did you'se do anything for her? Nothing at all.... Where’s the FSO’s? Where’s your plan?” 

As the tension mounted, Chief Bird shot back, “What have you done?” 

Sutherland replied: “I rescued her many many times. I get calls in the middle of the night and I go and pick her up. Because she’s beaten again. That’s what I do, But what have you done? Don’t tell me what I've done Stan, I’ve done my best.” Turning to the crowd, she said: “Open your eyes people, look at who’s dealing with drugs in this community." To the council, she said: "Well what did yous do? Whats the plan for my niece. You were given that many months ago.” 

In closing, Chief Bird admitted that he strayed into politics when responding to Sutherland, and apologized for his remarks. .He told the meeting that another meeting on drugs will held within two weeks.