Pubdate: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 Source: North Bay Nugget (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 North Bay Nugget Contact: http://www.nugget.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2226 ANTI-DRUG STRATEGY TAKES SHAPE The Anishinabek Nation is taking significant steps to eliminate illicit drug abuse, trafficking and associated organized crime in its 42 First Nations across Ontario. Grand Council Chief John Beaucage has announced the framework for the War on Drugs strategy declared by the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in- Assembly last November. We will eliminate the drug problem on First Nations," said Beaucage. Our leadership and communities are fully committed to the War on Drugs. This is another significant step in reclaiming our own jurisdiction and eliminating a difficult barrier to wellness, community healing and ultimately, our nationhood." Last fall, the Chiefs of the Anishinabek Nation communities unanimously passed a resolution giving First Nation councils the authority to rid their communities of drug dealers. The War on Drugs is based on a strategy developed by Vancouver to combat drug problems in its notorious Downtown Eastside. The strategy includes: Prevention Promoting healthy families and communities, protecting child and youth development, preventing or delaying the start of substance use among young people. Promoting the consequences of drug use, and the serious nature of the Anishinabek Nation War on Drugs. A specific focus will be on youth, including counselling, recreation and community support programs. Treatment The Anishinabek Nation will advocate to improve access to services that will help citizens come to terms with substance use and lead healthier lives. They will establish more community treatment programs. An important facet of this strategy is to establish outpatient and peer-based counselling and ongoing medical care. Protecting our own Special focus will be on the promotion of a community-based model of Ogitchidaawin: Protecting Our Own. This will include the development of a website and call centre for Anishinabek citizens to report suspicious activity on-reserve, and anonymously report drug trafficking and related offences. Enforcement The Anishinabek Nation and member First Nations will support the investigation, enforcement and prosecution of illicit drug activity, organized crime and gangs on-reserve, drug trafficking, drug houses, and the elimination of businesses and outsiders involved in the drug trade. A War on Drugs policy conference will take place Feb. 16 and 17 at the Whitefish Lake First Nation near Sudbury. Chiefs of the Anishinabek Nation, as well as enforcement services and community health providers, will develop strategies and customary laws. Partners in the War on Drugs will include the federal and provincial governments, the Ontario Provincial Police, Anishinabek Police Service, as well as community and tribal police. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin