Pubdate: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 Source: North Island Gazette (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 North Island Gazette Contact: http://www.northislandgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2783 Author: Bruce Winfield WALK DECLARES WAR ON DRUGS TSULQUATE - A small step in a very big war against drugs and alcohol was taken during a Enough is Enough March here, says an organizer. "We wanted to let the community know we're tired of drug dealers, bootleggers and those serving alcohol to minors," said Salla Anderson, case manager for Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Family Services. Close to 25 people turned out for the walk Sept. 13, which covered a couple of kilometers on the Tsulquate Reserve. "Some people expressed support by honking their car horns as we drove by while others cheered out their windows," she said. "Others did not receive us too well." Anderson alleges there are six bootleggers and eight drug dealers living in Tsulquate, plus people who throw house parties. "This has a huge impact on our community," she said. "It increases the risk of gang rapes, abuse of every kind, and creates an unsafe environment for kids and elders. People are aware of the issues, they don't know how to express themselves." The parade, which Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Family Services wants to do monthly, is the first step in a campaign against drug and alcohol abuse, says Anderson. The next step, she adds, will be a family services staff presence in the school and monthly presentations to students there, says Anderson. "We are trying to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol, and to show people that they can do something about it," said Anderson. In the not too distant future, Anderson wants to bring Boys and Girls Club programs to Tsulquate. "We would need parents to be involved, because they are the best anti-drug." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom