The Dene Nation says its next gathering of leaders, in April, will focus on justice and how communities respond to the effects of the drug trade.
Dene National Chief George Mackenzie said actions to be discussed include the “ability to screen persons at our borders and remove people who cause harm from Denendeh.”
The legal detail of that kind of approach isn’t clear. In the past, NWT authorities have been hesitant to implement measures seen as restricting entry to the territory over concern that they could face a Charter challenge.
In a Tuesday news release, Chief Mackenzie said bringing leaders together next month “will be a crucial step in addressing the harms that threaten the well-being of our people.”
“We must come together to find solutions that protect our communities and preserve our way of life,” Mackenzie was quoted as saying.
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The Dene Nation declared a state of emergency last July over drug trafficking and its devastating impact on NWT communities. Public safety is also a stated priority of the NWT government and Premier RJ Simpson.
A fatal shooting last weekend in Fort Providence has since been connected by RCMP to the drug trade. The Dene Nation said on Tuesday that an “epidemic” of illegal drug activity “has tragically taken too many of our people,” expressing condolences to Fort Providence and affected families.
The Dene Nation added it will push police and others “for more resources to address the drug crisis.” At April’s meeting – set to be held in Yellowknife on a date to be confirmed – leaders and authorities will be tasked with developing “actionable solutions.”
Mackenzie said more help for people affected by addictions is also a priority, as is “reality-based education about the harms of these activities.”
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“There must be a focus on educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Fund healthy lifestyles among the youth with incentives to maintain wellness,” he added.
“Community and regional justice prevention and policies must have a place in solutions to cut these dealers off before they dig into a community.
“It is time for policy changes and legislative measures that strengthen the fight against illegal drugs and support community safety.”
