How this northern Alberta First Nation is tackling drug use in its community

A First Nation in northern Alberta is taking steps to control its future, and the safety of its members, in the fight against drugs.

Councillors and residents in the small community of Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, 40 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, have seen an increase in property crimes related to drug use, such as break-ins and vehicle theft.

Coun. Samantha Whalen said the community is looking to tackle the drug issue before it gets out of hand.

The First Nation, which is made up of four reserves, held community meetings in February and March to hear from concerned residents and get ideas about how to tackle the issues. 

The community is issuing band council resolutions (BCRs), which are used to ban certain people from the community. The nation is banning drug dealers, as well as others who house or otherwise assist dealers.

BCRs are shared with the RCMP and court. Prior to 2020, the nation had issued only about two bans, said Whalen. Now there are about 20 active bans.

The BCRs aren't enforceable by police, but Chief Supt. Mark Hancock of Wood Buffalo RCMP said the detachment has asked all of the First Nations in Wood Buffalo for their BCRs. They will then be reviewed by the RCMP's legal staff.

For now, the police are acting to assist the First Nation when it enacts a BCR. That could include having the police present during an eviction as a way to keep the peace. 

Fort McMurray 468 First Nation Coun. Christopher Beausoleil said he's heard from community members that there are concerns around safety, drug activity and violence. He said he wants to make sure children in the community are protected from drug use.

Before members are banned from the community, they are given an opportunity for rehabilitation. But if the person doesn't want to work to get better, or they keep re-offending, they will be banned, Beausoleil said. 

"We're in a position now where we can have a harsh approach to those who don't want to change and are abusing the system here within our nation, but we also have a good amount of tools to support those individuals who want to change their lives," he said.

When it comes to drug dealers who are trying to make money by putting others at risk, "we just can't have any tolerance for that," Beausoleil said.

"We're not trying to harm or push away or make anybody who's in active addiction feel bad about that," said Beausoleil, who is a recovering addict. "What we try to do, though, is try to give them all the support they need." 

Beausoleil said the nation will help people get mental health support, child care, cultural activities and other programs. The nation funds many supports through the community wellness program, and the reserve has a a federally funded day treatment program.