Pubdate: Fri, 07 Feb 2014
Source: Haida Gwaii Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Observer Publishing Co. Ltd
Contact:  http://www.haidagwaiiobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2681

WHERE WERE THE PEOPLE?

An information meeting on drugs and drug use in north end communities 
was sparsely attended last week (there were as many police officers 
attending as members of the public). It makes us wonder if the use of 
drugs in Masset and Old Massett (and Haida Gwaii by extension) is not 
considered much of a problem by islanders.

As recently as 2008, the north-end communities were mobilized, 
holding meetings and protest marches in both Masset and Old Massett, 
and erecting signs around the towns with a strong and clear anti-drug message.

Even last year, a similar drug information meeting held in the Old 
Massett community hall attracted 80 people, including one from Skidegate.

Where was everyone this year? One person attending said it might have 
something to do with bingo, but surely that doesn't explain it.

Last year, the turn-out was larger in part because the meeting came 
shortly after an Old Massett family, mother, father and two sons, 
were arrested for drug trafficking.

This year, there was no similar recent to catalyze the community to 
action. Even so, a turn-out of seven people is nothing to brag about.

Nevertheless, community action is important.

Masset RCMP made this point time after time during the meeting.

"Somebody has to take some ownership. The community has to decide 
it's time to do something about it," one police officer said, while 
another said "we do need the community to stand up and say 'stop it'. 
It really goes down to the community wanting to take a stand. If we 
don't have some intelligence, (then finding drugs is pure luck). I am 
appealing to the public to come forward, do something positive and 
let us know what's going on".

The meeting offered an interesting glimpse into what is known about drug use.

Marijuana, it will come as no surprise to many islanders, is 
tolerated on Haida Gwaii, used and enjoyed recreationally by many. 
Still, it can be a lot different than the pot of the 1960s. Today's 
marijuana can have as much as 20 percent THC (the active ingredient) 
far higher than the one percent forty years ago.

Magic mushrooms are also popular here, as in season, they provide a 
free high for people who might not be able to afford other drugs. As 
well, because the 'shrooms grown here, many islanders don't consider 
that there's much wrong with picking and using them.

Still, drugs are a problem and reducing their use is a useful goal.

Those few attending heard statistics that show delaying any kind of 
drug use by young people increases their life chances, reducing the 
possibility they will have future substance abuse problems.

On a positive note, the anti-drug program DARE is being taught in 
elementary schools all over the islands, and there are now three 
qualified DARE instructors among the RCMP.

And the RCMP went out of their way to hold a very informative 
meeting, while appealing to the public for help in drug investigations.

The only thing missing was the most important one. The active 
involvement of the citizens of Masset and Old Massett.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom