Send this page to someone via email

Feeling like they’ve been held hostage in their own home for months, a Siksika Nation couple has decided to take a concerning situation into their own hands.

Cindy and Troy Sitting Eagle say they’ve been living next door to a suspected drug dealer and what happened last Thursday was the last straw.

“Some guy came to my house and walked in early in the morning. He came in and asked for the dealer because he wanted to place an order. I was not home, it was only my wife. That’s it, no more. No more,” Troy said.

READ MORE: Suspected drug dealers evicted from Siksika First Nation

The couple created a makeshift neighbourhood watch. They set up a tent and are camping right outside the home they feel is causing the problems.

Story continues below advertisement

“We want our community back.” Tweet This

“We want our children to come back and play outside and be free and ride the bikes again,” Cindy said. “We are here to fight the drug and not the person.”

Siksika Nation community members gather for support. Jill Croteau

“You have to be watching 24 hours a day because the meth dealers don’t sleep. They work around the clock, 24 hours, so why can’t we do that as well,” Troy said.

They say the RCMP is aware and supporting them. The Siksika Chief and council are also endorsing their protest.

“It’s a wake up call to the community. It only takes two people to get it going. It’s such a powerful message that this couple has given to our nation,” Chief Joseph Weasel Child said.

Story continues below advertisement

Many show up throughout the day to rally support. Chloe Manyguns said a meth addiction took her mom’s life just 4 months ago.

“I won’t be able to go grad dress shopping next year with my mom. If I ever get married, I never thought I would have to use the words ‘I wish my mother was here,’ ” Manyguns said.

“My little brother and my sister ask ‘where is mom?’ It’s so hard to explain to them mommy is not coming back.” Tweet This

Other concerned residents like Pam Springchief said the drug epidemic is ruining their community.

“It’s killing our people. We lost everything. You’re supposed to love thy neighbour. Nobody has respect anymore for each other,” Springchief said.