Too much death and violence: O'Chiese band to outlaw liquor on reserve

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The Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) is backing a demand from the band council of the O'Chiese reserve to have the use of liquor banned.

Chief Theresa Strawberry says the request comes after her band spent more than two years combating widespread alcoholism on the reserve.

In an interview from his Edmonton office Gregg Smith, president of IAA said he feels "great about this decision.

"I have always felt strongly about drug and alcohol abuse and that is the reason I declared war on alcohol shortly after my election (in June 1986)," said Smith.

He pointed out that until recently, well over 90 per cent of the reserve were alcoholic and between 1973 and 1984 there were 37 alcohol-related deaths due to accidents, violence, disease and suicide.

"The chief and council themselves had to do something, otherwise many people would have died on that reserve."

Now each member of the O'Chiese band council must sign a declaration of sobriety before taking office. Smith says that all leaders should take a similar stand.

Smith also agreed with comments from former Alkali Lake chief Charlene Belleau, who has publicized her belief that a lack of economic opportunities is just an excuse for widespread alcoholism.

"We have to learn to change, just like Alkali Lake learned to change. We have to start dealing with our problems instead of being over defensive," says Smith.

According to the Edmonton Department of Indian Affairs, the O'Chiese band has already informed Ottawa of its intention to pass the bylaw.

"This comes under section 85.1 of the Indian Act," said Jack Hughes, statutory membership manager, in an interview from his Edmonton office.

"A band must pass a bylaw prohibiting the use of intoxicants and then a general meeting must be held to endorse the council's decision."

Chief Strawberry was unavailable for comment at press time.