Pubdate: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC) Copyright: 2007, West Partners Publishing Ltd. Contact: http://www.kelownacapnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294 ROOT CAUSE OF SHOOTING AT WFN HOME BLAMED ON DRUGS Westbank First Nation said Tuesday that they would be taking immediate steps to limit the effects of drug use and trafficking on their lands in light of a shooting that took place earlier this month. In a news release, WFN says a shooting on Fox Road, in the heart of Tsinstikeptum Indian Reserve Number 9, has left the tight-knit community shocked and looking for answers. They also say the incident is believed to be drug related and that eight shots were fired into the home early on Oct. 6 However, RCMP say they have not determined the shooting was drug related, although it is possible, and haven't verified that eight shots were fired. However, they do say multiple shots were fired during the incident. "I know drugs are a huge problem for the entire Okanagan and this type of incident isn't unique, but Westbank First Nation is completely unaccustomed to this kind of violence," said WFN Chief Robert Louie. "We certainly won't sit idly by and wait for a similar incident to occur. "We'll be taking decisive steps to ensure that our members and the residents of our lands live in a safe, crime-free community." According to Louie, WFN will be taking a comprehensive approach to the issue of drug use and related violence. "We'll be looking at everything from education and substance-abuse counseling, to victim support, to a Crime Stoppers program and enhanced law enforcement on WFN lands. "This is a huge problem and we have to devote the resources that it deserves." The shooting was a topic of discussion for the WFN membership at its annual general meeting on Saturday. The community echoed Louie's sentiments that there needs to be immediate action, and that the solution lies in a multi-faceted approach to the drug problem, WFN said in a news release. Members further agreed that WFN needs to work in close concert with the RCMP and that all members will have to remain vigilant for, and consistently report, drug-related criminal activity. RCMP say they are still trying to piece together what happened that morning and who was responsible for firing the gun. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or Const. Stan Walstrom at 470-7227. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake