Crystal meth is becoming an increased problem on the Muskowekwan First Nation, forcing leadership to take action to combat the drug and associated criminal activity.
Chief and Council has undertaken workshops and walks to raise awareness to the situation and is considering banning drug dealers who are non-members. But the inexpensive drug is having an effect on young people in their 20’s.
“I think there is a definite problem that concerns the whole First Nation,” said Councilor Cynthia Desjarlais. “There are a number of young people, not necessarily teenagers but range from 20-30 something years old. It’s that aged group that is really being affected by it.”
Desjarlais couldn’t pinpoint how the drug was coming into the community, adding that gang activity does not appear to be a growing situation.
Yet Desjarlais explained that a weekend security patrol is yielding positive results. “We have them patrolling on weekends, which has really brought the incidents down of criminal activity and house parties and kids walking around,” Desjarlais said.
The First Nation has instituted a curfew for teenagers and has recent purchased ten solar powered closed circuit security camera’s to be installed to monitor residential areas.
However, Desjarlais said the First Nation is developing programming to help those addicted to crystal meth.
She explained that the long term goal for the First Nation was to construct a detox and family treatment center specifically designed for crystal meth.
(Photo courtesy of the Muskowekwan First Nation.)