TRIBE FIGHTS DRUG ABUSE

Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
on Friday pledged that his administration would do everything it could
to reduce, "and if possible eliminate, drug distribution and use
within Cherokee territory."

In the form of a proclamation, Hicks said his administration would
work to do everything from expanding addiction recovery programs to
requiring meaningful and mandatory community service for all convicted
drug offenders.

Hick's administration has already made several moves on the drug war
front. It has created a task force charged with finding concerns and
proposing solutions to stop the sale and use of drugs on the Qualla
Boundary. Last spring, the tribe introduced a drug hotline, (877)
7NO-Drug. The Cherokee Police Department has partnered with other
departments to tackle drug crimes. And the Health and Medical Division
recently opened a halfway house for American Indian men coming out of
jail or entering into a drug-alcohol recovery program.