WALPOLE DECLARES WAR ON DRUGS

Walpole Island First Nation is waging war on the drug problem
afflicting its residents, particularly the youth.

On Tuesday, Chief Joseph Gilbert and Walpole Island First Nation band
council members signed a political war on drugs declaration promising
to crack down on drug use on the reserve. The declaration was made at
a community meeting held at Walpole Island Elementary School.

"It's time we take some time and make a declaration about what we are
going to do," he said. "Our intent is to take back our community, take
back our kids . . . and protect them from the harms of drugs."

To formalize the chief and council's position, all members signed the
declaration, which states they will support police efforts to stop
illegal and prescription drug use and trafficking, as well as offer
support services for those addicted to drugs or alcohol.

"We, as a council, have to take a lead in social responsibility," he
said.

Although drug and alcohol abuse is a universal problem, band
councillor Rod Shipman said it is hurting the close-knit community of
Walpole Island.

"(The declaration) is very important because it lets the drug sellers
know there is a war against drugs," he said.

Shipman also hopes the anti-drug campaign will help to reduce the
crime rate on Walpole Island.

As a gateway city, speaker Karen Lallean said Walpole Island is
vulnerable to drug trafficking.

"Marijuana is in our community, it's been here for ages," she said.
But it is not just adults using drugs.

Elementary co-ordinator Ron Richmond said students as young as Grade 5
at the school have been involved in drugs and drugs have been found
inside the building.

"I need to know that we are keeping the children safe . . . and if we
have drugs here, we are not keeping them safe," he said. "We do not
tolerate drugs."

At the meeting, many residents expressed their concerns about local
drug use to the gymnasium filled with parents and students.

Pleased with the public support at the meeting, Muriael Sampson,
education portfolio councillor, said the community needs to know that
the band, as well as the residents, are taking hold of the situation.

"We are very concerned about what is happening in our school," she
said.

Walpole Island First Nation board of education chairwoman, Ava
Williams, said the board has taken a "hard stand" on drug use in the
school. She challenged the community to do the same.

"Let's stick together as a community to see if we can get a nip on the
drugs, especially in our schools," she said.