RCMP doesn't work with community, says Wha-Ti sub-chief
Jorge Barrera and Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Wha-Ti (Mar 26/01) - To the chagrin of some residents the national spotlight is on Wha-Ti after police seized thousands of dollars worth of booze during spring carnival celebrations.
The community's lone RCMP officer, Cpl. Duncan Babchuk lashed out in the national media after police sized $4,200 worth of alcohol and handed out $10,000 worth of fines during Wha-Ti's spring carnival a week ago.
"There is no such things as social drinking here. It's drink till you're crazy and fight," RCMP Cpl. Duncan Babchuk told the Edmonton Sun in an article last week.
In an interview with News/North, Babchuk said carnival should be cancelled until things change.
A dry community since the 70's by vote, Babchuk said residents in Wha-Ti see carnival as open season to drink.
"There should be no more carnivals in the state is in right now," said Babchuk.
Albert Nitsiza, Wha-Ti First Nations sub-chief, said the events are "blown out of proportion" citing disappointment with Babchuk's remarks.
"He should be working with us, not against us," said Nitsiza.
Nitsiza said band council tries to control the illegal import of alcohol but winter roads and snowmobile trails make it almost impossible to stem the flow.
He also said the future of the carnival will be discussed.
"We've had the events since the 80's," said Nitsiza.
"(The issue) is best discussed through council," said Nitsiza.
Eva, a Wha-Ti resident who didn't want to give her last name, said the community was getting smeared.
"It seems like all Wha-Ti is alcoholic," said Eva.
"I'm disgusted with the way the media has portrayed it," she said.
But some in the community see it differently.
Fifteen year-old Debbie Simpson said she wouldn't mind if carnival was cancelled next year.
"There's always a lot of people drinking," said Simpson.
"I don't mind if it's cancelled, they shouldn't drink," she said.
Nitsiza said there is a lot of tension between elders and youth over liquor prohibition in the community.
During the carnival 18 people were charged with unlawful liquor possession.
Nine other charges of careless driving, speeding, mischief, breach of probation and outstanding warrants were handed out.
Rae Edzo RCMP seized around $4,000 worth of alcohol on its way to Wha-Ti.
"It was a marathon last year and a marathon this year," Babchuk said.
Last year seven people were charged with liquor possession infractions.
