BEARDY’S & OKEMASIS’ CREE NATION — Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation is warning those involved in gangs and drugs to stop their activity or face legal action.
“Effective immediately, we will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to any and all illegal activity within our Nation,” read a letter to the community dated May 1. “Any homes found to be involved in the selling of drugs, gang activity, or other criminal behaviour will be shut down immediately by order of leadership.”
The notice said such actions are harming members of the First Nation and "will not be tolerated."
“If there are any children found living in the homes where the above-mentioned activities are taking place, QBOW Child and Family Services will be contacted immediately. RCMP will be involved to take appropriate legal action.”
The First Nation’s leadership said those involved will be given the opportunity to seek support through community resources — for example, for addictions or mental health issues.
“However, if no action is taken or illegal activity continues, we will move forward with immediate enforcement,” the leadership said.
Additional rules laid out in the advisory include keeping noise levels down after 11 p.m., and restricting late-night ATV use and fireworks.
Chief Edwin Ananas told SaskToday the advisory was issued in response to a concerning trend.
“The high drug use, ... gang activity, disrespect for the homes,” he said, were among the reasons for the warning.
“The number of usages is getting higher and higher. We need to try to mitigate the areas where they congregate and do all the illegal activity,” he added.
Ananas said homes of chronic offenders will be targeted.
“We need to take steps by eliminating those units where they live in, so we will take action by evicting them,” he said. “[We will be] sending notification notices that [we will be] closing down the houses until they’re safe to be reoccupied.”
The chief said he hopes this initiative will lead to a safer community.
“[We] try to encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle,” he added.
The advisory said the intent of the zero-tolerance approach is to protect community members.
“[It’s] to give everyone the chance to do better for themselves, their families and our Nation,” the leadership said. “Let us come together, stand strong and move forward in unity for a safe and healthy Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation.”
