Reserve eyes member bans
Drugs and booze an issue
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, November 14, 2016
K'ATLODEECHE/HAY RIVER RESERVE
K'atlodeeche First Nation is considering banning members from the Hay River Reserve as a way to combat drug trafficking and alcohol bootlegging.
The idea was discussed on Oct. 27 at a membership meeting to follow-up on concerns raised at an annual assembly in August.
Peter Groenen, the chief executive officer with the First Nation, said the band council has undertaken the task of developing a membership code.
It's hoped it will address many issues, including the possibility of banning individuals from the reserve for drug or alcohol offences.
"The idea is, if they're convicted, they could be banned," he said.
Groenen said legal counsel is being engaged to help develop a membership code.
The band is hoping to hold a community meeting in late November to discuss a first draft of a document.
Groenen said it has not yet been determined who would decide when a ban would be warranted - either band council or a general band meeting.
The CEO said the idea of banning has been brought up because some other reserves have done it.
Plus, he said the idea "absolutely" had broad support from the 15 or so people at the Oct. 27 meeting.
"People want to deal with these problems," he said.
Groenen said a membership code would have to be approved in a plebiscite of band members, and that vote might happen in the spring.
KFN currently does not have a membership code.
"We have the Indian Act but it's very broad," said Groenen.
At the First Nation's annual assembly in August, the membership passed a resolution calling on the band council to take "all legal steps" to stop drug trafficking on the Hay River Reserve.
