The community meeting on drugs occurred Jan. 12. (Lac La Ronge Indian Band/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

prevention

Public meeting in Sucker River focuses on impact of drugs

Jan 16, 2023 | 4:40 PM

Residents of Sucker River, a First Nations reserve of approximately 500 people, held a public meeting last week to discuss how drugs are affecting and harming their community.

“There were a lot of ideas brought up about how to bring families and youth together, keeping youth busy and preventing them from going down that road of using harmful drugs,” Lac La Ronge Indian Band Coun. Devin Bernatchez said.

“We talked about fentanyl deaths, overdoses, we had the RCMP there giving us some reporting on some of the latest bust and apprehensions they’ve done.”

Bernatchez explained the COVID-19 pandemic created more of an addictions problem, not only in Sucker River, but in communities across Saskatchewan. He said specifically in Sucker River, there’s been an increase in crack cocaine, crystal meth and pills, as well as crimes associated with drug addiction such as theft.

“Twenty years ago, you could leave a Ski-Doo outside with the key in it or leave your boat down by the lake with gas and a key in it, you can’t do that anymore,” Bernatchez said. “We are seeing a lot of people committing thefts and a lot of it is to feed their addiction.”

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Bernatchez added the response to drugs isn’t just enhanced enforcement or coming down hard on drug dealers, but more of a multi-pronged approach which includes prevention. For example, Sucker River has a community safety plan in place and monitors all traffic entering the community during the day.

The RCMP are also creating more awareness of issues impacting the community and local safety officers are keeping watch on where drug trafficking is happening. The public meeting, which occurs every couple of months, also included a presentation from the band’s prevention and recovery workers.

“There was a lot of discussion about helping families with treatment with the new wellness centre and how we can help them recover and get back on their path,” Bernatchez said.

“We have grandparents who are taking care of their grandchildren because a lot of times their mom and dad are struggling with their addiction. We are seeing a lot of harm that way with the family units in our community.”

Bernatchez mentioned there has also been work done to keep youth busy and prevent them from becoming bored. The community has a new skate park and there is recreational programming available.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno