ROOT CAUSE OF SHOOTING AT WFN HOME BLAMED ON DRUGS

Westbank First Nation said Tuesday that they would be taking immediate
steps to limit the effects of drug use and trafficking on their lands
in light of a shooting that took place earlier this month.

In a news release, WFN says a shooting on Fox Road, in the heart of
Tsinstikeptum Indian Reserve Number 9, has left the tight-knit
community shocked and looking for answers.

They also say the incident is believed to be drug related and that
eight shots were fired into the home early on Oct. 6

However, RCMP say they have not determined the shooting was drug
related, although it is possible, and haven't verified that eight
shots were fired. However, they do say multiple shots were fired
during the incident.

"I know drugs are a huge problem for the entire Okanagan and this type
of incident isn't unique, but Westbank First Nation is completely
unaccustomed to this kind of violence," said WFN Chief Robert Louie.

"We certainly won't sit idly by and wait for a similar incident to
occur.

"We'll be taking decisive steps to ensure that our members and the
residents of our lands live in a safe, crime-free community."

According to Louie, WFN will be taking a comprehensive approach to the
issue of drug use and related violence.

"We'll be looking at everything from education and substance-abuse
counseling, to victim support, to a Crime Stoppers program and
enhanced law enforcement on WFN lands. "This is a huge problem and we
have to devote the resources that it deserves."

The shooting was a topic of discussion for the WFN membership at its
annual general meeting on Saturday.

The community echoed Louie's sentiments that there needs to be
immediate action, and that the solution lies in a multi-faceted
approach to the drug problem, WFN said in a news release.

Members further agreed that WFN needs to work in close concert with
the RCMP and that all members will have to remain vigilant for, and
consistently report, drug-related criminal activity.

RCMP say they are still trying to piece together what happened that
morning and who was responsible for firing the gun.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477 or Const. Stan Walstrom at 470-7227.