BLOOD RESIDENTS FIGHT BACK AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE

STAND OFF -- Blood Reserve residents weary of rampant violence and
substance abuse in their communities are applauding tough measures
such as curfews and drug testing proposed to help curb such activity.

A task force on reserve violence is considering several measures
including mandatory drug testing for Blood Tribe council members as
well as staff of all tribal agencies including police and
firefighters.

The Herald recently spoke to several reserve residents who voiced
strong opinions on the issue but declined to give their names, citing
a fear of repercussions.

"It'll be great. That's what needs to happen," said one woman,
referring to drug testing.

"I'm sure the whole reserve is going to go for it.

"There's a lot of people that don't speak (out). I think the majority
are scared they'll get cut off welfare if they speak up," she said.
"Alcohol is killing our people, and this should have been done a long
time ago."

The volunteer task force was appointed by the tribal council in May in
response to deadly violence and substance abuse plaguing the reserve.
Since last summer, four young men have been murdered on the reserve.