DRUG PROBLEM CANNOT BE IGNORED

Dear editor,

I just want to say I was at the Tsulquate Bridge supporting my friends
and family. We are doing what we are doing because we want kids and
the youths to be able to say 'no' to drugs and alcohol.

They are growing up in an environment where everything is hush hush,
but there is no excuse for silence. We need to teach our kids and
support them in knowing it is wrong to do drugs.

There are so many mixed emotions on drug addiction in our town and the
addicts. The people we lose and the addicts end up in emergency rooms.

I see the pain and know the pain of having loved ones involved in the
drug world, but to be in denial and pretend nothing is happening does
more damage to our community.

So we have to take a stand and say 'no'.

My cousin mentioned at a meeting about diseases that come with being
an addict, and the spread of what it is they have, and we need to stop
it. We need organizations to get out and do workshops to teach people
and make everyone aware.

The first night, my friend sent me a text and I ran down to the
bridge.

What a great experience to be part of the group letting the drug
dealers and users know the community is concerned.

The second time a bunch of us ladies and an elder manned the bridge
and community.

By the third night, we had the support of the fire department and the
RCMP.

It was totally uplifting to be part of a say 'no' to drugs. Something
that community needs is to learn to fight off bad guys and help
addicts where possible.

There have been the same people on the front line at every event and
it has been great.

There have been community supporters coming and hanging out and others
honking as they drive by. We are strong and we want to make a difference.

One of the ladies saw something and went after a female drug dealer,
telling that person to get off the Rez. The drug dealer replied by
giving her the finger, but that won't stop the community member, who
is strong and wants to stop the lifestyles and addictions that are
killing our people.

And we are making a difference?

Yes, but it's not just a one night thing.

Keep strong, and when you see something stop it.

Call the RCMP and report what you see.

Please sign me a concerned citizen, mother, granny, aunt, cousin and
sister.

Connie Rufus-Alfred,

Port Hardy