HOBBEMA MAN RECEIVES SOLICITOR GENERAL AWARD

A Hobbema man was one of eight individuals to receive the Alberta
Solicitor General Crime Prevention Award last month in Calgary for
helping to build stronger and safer communities.

Lawrence Saddleback, a newly elected Samson Band councilor, was
recognized for his work with inmates and community members. He worked
for seven years as cultural advisor for Samson Justice.

Saddleback says the recognition "really boosts our
community."

But he adds that the community cannot address the problems alone
plaguing the four Bands, such as gang violence and drugs.

"We need to deal with the social issues," he said. "That's a priority.
I'm very concerned about that."

"We need help from the outside to do something about the problems," he
added. "We are festering with drugs. The Department of Indian Affairs
needs to step in here or Health Canada to assist us in funding. We
need social workers here."