Dene leaders want stronger RCMP action against drug trafficking in their communities and more resources to support people facing addiction and mental health challenges.
At the third and final day of the Dene Nation’s public safety forum in Yellowknife, delegates unanimously passed more than a dozen resolutions regarding those issues.
“As we gather for this crucial leadership meeting, we are reminded that the strength of our Dene communities lies in our unity and commitment to the wellness of our peoples,” Dene National Chief George Mackenzie said.
“Together we will explore innovative solutions to combat the challenges of drugs, alcohol and crime, fostering environments where our families can live in safe, healthy and vibrant communities.
“Our shared vision is one of action, resilience and healing, ensuring that the voices of our Elders, youth and all community members are at the forefront of this critical matter.”
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Among the resolutions passed on Thursday, Dene leaders agreed to meet with their local or regional RCMP detachments to discuss actions and solutions to address the unique needs of their communities.
They said police need to:
- take immediate and effective action to conduct investigations into and dismantle known drug trafficking locations;
- enhance the establishment and effectiveness of road checkpoints as well as airport screening and security; and
- prioritize search and seizure operations to interrupt the flow of illicit drugs into communities.
‘We’re all touched’
Another resolution called on the NWT government to increase funding and resources to support addictions recovery, mental health services and trauma-informed care in collaboration with Dene leadership. That resolution also sought a reduction in wait times for those supports.
Violet Sangris, a mental health counsellor for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, said there’s a need to send not only individuals but also families for treatment.
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“The system needs to change to enable our family to be able to go out right away,” she said.
Chief Elizabeth Wright of the Tetlit Gwich’in Council highlighted the lack of aftercare supports in NWT communities. She said her son left Fort McPherson shortly after he returned home from treatment due to the lack of those services.
“I didn’t fail as a parent. I failed as a leader because I couldn’t provide aftercare for him, I couldn’t point him in the right direction,” she said.
“So we’re all touched. Every one of us, we have family, we have friends that are battling addictions.”
Other resolutions called on the Dene Nation to cultivate partnerships to collaborate on harm reduction and crime prevention initiatives, and on relevant authorities to prioritize rapid access to detox and substance abuse programs.
The territorial and federal governments were called upon to develop a strategy for provision of ongoing aftercare services in communities.
Indigenous policing, youth and reviews
One resolution requested that the Dene Nation explore developing an Indigenous policing program in the NWT.
“We need native policing in the future,” Dene National Chief Mackenzie said.
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“Imagine our own young people being the police in our community, how the young children would look up to them. I hope to see that day soon.”
Other resolutions called on the Dene Nation to:
- review contracts between the RCMP and territorial government and advocate for more effective policing that prioritizes the safety of communities;
- analyze the federal government’s 2025 Indigenous Justice Strategy; and
- seek resources to support youth programs that promote wellness and resiliency.
Tate Juniper, one of the delegates representing the Sahtu, added there should be funding to help youth representatives attend Dene Nation assemblies and special meetings.
“We talk about having youth involved and having their voice, but we need to bring them to these tables and have a representative of each community’s youth here with us to speak on behalf of them – to be engaged in these meetings and to have a voice,” he said.
Dene leaders also called for a comprehensive review of alcohol sales, distribution and access in the territory, and committed to hosting meetings in their communities for residents to discuss challenges and concerns.
On Wednesday, forum delegates had passed a resolution to develop a Dene-led taskforce on drugs, alcohol and community crime prevention.
In his closing remarks at the forum, Mackenzie said he felt hopeful.
“There is hope in all this that we’re doing,” he said.
