CHEHALIS UNITES AGAINST DRUGS AND VIOLENCE

The Chehalis Band took a stand against drugs and alcohol in their
community by uniting together and holding a Peace Walk.

The hope was to help combat drug abuse and the after affects on the
community.

Their first annual peace walk proved a huge success with a police and
fire escort leading the way for approximately 30 walkers.

Bringing up the rear were people in cars that could not walk the hour
long trek but wanted to be a part of the event.

"We hope that this walk will raise awareness within the community and
will show that we will all stand together against drugs and alcohol on
the reserve, which will help us protect the young people," says chief
Alexander Paul with the Chehalis Band.

According to Chief Paul violence caused by drugs is an increasing
trend in their area. "We are aware of the problem and we wanted to
take some sort of stand against it," says Paul. "We are hoping that
this walk will become an annual event. It shows that we are taking a
stand and we are uniting together against this problem."

The walk was held on June 23 and it lasted well into the night.