The Dene Nation is taking “urgent action” to confront the rising tide of drug-related crimes that threaten communities in the Northwest Territories.
This month, the Dene Nation will host a Leadership Discussion on Justice and the State of Emergency in Denendeh, stated a release on Wednesday.
Dene National Chief George Mackenzie is congratulated on his election last summer in Dettah. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Dene leaders will gather with community members, and relevant stakeholders to develop actionable solutions to combat the ongoing crisis. The location and date haven’t been announced.
It will serve as a forum for open dialogue and a platform for creating concrete action plans.
Dene Chief George Mackenzie stated, “Our communities are facing a crisis that requires immediate and unified action. We must collaborate to find solutions that protect our members and preserve our way of life.”
Chief Mackenzie emphasized the crucial role of education and prevention, underscoring the need for awareness programs about the dangers of drug use.
“We must promote healthy lifestyles for our youth and incentivize wellness,” he stated.
The Dene Nation stated its committed to working with partners, including a call to the federal government to amend the RCMP contract to incorporate dedicated anti-drug and organized crime task forces within Denendeh.
“We need to establish community policing initiatives to safeguard our communities, stated Mackenzie.
This action follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Fort Good Hope on March 31 after several violent incidents, including killings, and discussions held during the July 2024 Dene National Assembly, as well as the recent Dene Leadership Meeting in Délı̨nę.
Last month, following a horrific drug-related shooting of three people in Fort Providence — one person was killed, two injured —
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine stated: “To our own community of Fort Simpson, let this be a hard reminder that drug activity is just as bad — if not worse — right here at home.
“If we don’t start standing together and pushing drug dealers out of our community, it’s only a matter of time before we face the same kind of tragedy.”
A warning to drug dealers on the road to Behchokǫ̀. (CKLB files)
