Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Wrigley (Nov 18/05) - Wrigley Chief David Moses, charged with possessing marijuana earlier this month, said he has been wrongly accused and will fight the charge in court.

Moses, 47, said the person he was with had approximately three grams of cannabis belonging to her, not him, when they were both arrested on Nov. 4. Yet he was still charged.

"I didn't have anything in my possession," he maintained on Monday.

He is scheduled to appear in justice of the peace court in Fort Simpson on Dec. 21.

In an interview with the Drum, Moses didn't deny that he has smoked marijuana. Afflicted with arthritis, he said he feels pot is a better alternative than prescription painkillers, which can damage the liver. He may look into a legal prescription for medicinal marijuana, he noted.

"They can check my medical file," he said. "It helps me in a lot of ways... it's not abusing my job or anything. It's just my own personal reasons."

Herb Norwegian, Grand Chief of the Dehcho First Nations, said possession of marijuana is "a pretty serious charge," but noted that Moses has not been convicted.

Only a doctor's certificate can verify that an individual needs marijuana for medical reasons, Norwegian pointed out. He said there's a fine line between medicinal purposes and abuse.

Local leaders are encouraged to be "sober and straight," especially at political assemblies, according to Norwegian.

"When we begin our meetings and start off with a prayer, you're actually asking for spiritual guidance and strength," he explained. "When you have people that are stoned or drunk come into the area, you make everybody else uncomfortable and you weaken the strength of the circle. It's something that people have to take seriously."

If any leader sets a bad example, the grand chief urged band members in the communities to deal with the issue immediately.

Moses said he has no intention of stepping down as chief. He has used the drug after working hours, he said, adding it therefore does not interfere with his ability to govern.

He cited numerous initiatives he has achieved or is currently undertaking, among them: a recently signed highways maintenance contract, preparations for access and benefits agreements from the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline and possible construction of lodges at Fish Lake and Blackwater Lake.

The community is also looking into purchasing a sawmill, he added.

"I'd still like to represent my people out there and I'll do the best that I can until my term is up," said Moses.