Red Earth Cree Nation is going drug and alcohol free in an effort to prevent substance-related deaths in the community.

The community, located northeast of Prince Albert, Sask., banned the substances on Sept. 21 after a General Assembly at Mamawe Community Hall.

"The law came to be because people love their children. They love their community and they want it safe," said Charlene Head, a Red Earth Cree Nation councillor.

The community says it has lost 24 band members from suicides, homicides, highway accidents and drownings, all related to drugs and alcohol in the past.

Head hopes the new law will prevent future tragedies, but not everyone in the community has been supportive of the new law.

"People don't understand why now," said Head. "But why not now?"

"Many people make fun of it but it's not a laughing matter when one person is lost to alcohol or drugs. It's not a laughing matter."

Councillors are still working on enforcing the law. At a recent Justice Council, members discussed options of creating peace keepers, constables, and healing circles.

A walk will be held on Saturday to bring awareness to the new law declaring Red Earth and Carrot River reserve lands as alcohol and drug free.



