Elsipogtog roadblocks planned to keep drugs out of community

John Levi, the warrior chief at Elsipogtog First Nation, is planning to erect roadblocks on the three routes into the Mi'kmaqcommunity in an attempt to curtail what he says is a steady stream of street drugs entering the reserve.

"It's been many years that we've had problems with drugs in our reserve," said Levi.

"It's not only Elsipogtog that's having problems, it's every community, but after so many years you know we decided we're going to stand up and get our community back."

Members of the community name hydromorphone, anopioid pain medication, and crystalmethamphetamine, an illegal street drug, as some of the substances being brought in to the community.

We are First Nations and we make our own laws.- John Levi, warrior chief

Levi says people with drug problems are stealing others' personal propertyand sometimes sending their kids to bed hungrybecause any family income is funneled into drugs.

DJ Joseph, ElsiopogtogNation administrator,says he's not aware of the plan, but he sees some potential for success.

"I personally would applaud anything that helps deter some of the more negative things that kind of come up in Elsipogtog," he said.

Joseph grew up in the Mi'kmaq communityand is aware of the difficulties some families face.

"Addiction plays a huge part in almost every aspect of Elsipogtog life," said Joseph.

"Often times other things fall out of place whenever there's an addiction in the house."

There are a number of programs in place on the reserve, including a needle exchange, group therapy, an addiction centre, a crisis unit and family support.

But Joseph explains funding for these programs isn't easy to come by. He says many programs are started, but without core funding the initiatives don't always stick.

"I kind of see it as a balance that hasn't been hit yet," he said.

Joseph says as a band administrator, he thinks a lot of work has to be done beforethe plan is put into action, like making sure Levi has proper authorization, and the RCMP is informed.

Roadblocks are illegal

The RCMP won't confirm it is aware of any plans to erect community road blocks.

Sgt. Benoit Jolette says the RCMP is always open to receiving information from the public, but is not in favour of people taking the law into their own hands, addingroadblocks are illegal.

Levi saidhe wants the RCMPto be involved, but ultimatelyhe said he only needs permission from the band chief and council.

"Once we get the approval from the chief and council we aren't breaking any laws, we are First Nations and we make our own laws," he said.

Levi doesn't plan to search each carpassing by, but does want to keep track who is comingand going in Elsipogtog.

While the RCMPconduct check stops in the community, Levi feels this one will be more effective because no one knows the community like the people who live there.

"We know whois bringing the drugs into the reserve and we're just going to be standing and waiting for the right people that are bringing in the drugs," he explained.

Eight people have volunteered to help conduct checkstops, and Levi says about 25 elders are on board with the plan.

The CBC spoke to a number of members of the communityand none would go on record.

But many said they are infavour of the roadblocks and hope it does slow the flowof drugs entering the community.

Others expressed concern about the loss of personal rights.

Levi said he knows the move is a controversial onebut he feels the potential benefits to the First Nationare worth the infringement ofpersonal freedoms.