(Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

BOOTLEGGERS IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Bootleggers blamed for instigating lack of social distancing on First Nation communities

Apr 3, 2020 | 5:28 PM

Alcohol bootleggers making their way to First Nations communities are being blamed for an increase in large gatherings while temporary bar and restaurant closures are in effect amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The criminal activity has raised concerns about an increase in the risk of transmission of the virus.

While there have been calls by some for a complete ban on liquor sales across the province during the COVID-19 outbreak, Richard Ben, tribal chief of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), told meadowlakeNOW he accepts the province’s decicion to decline closing liquor stores. Montreal Lake Cree Nation called for that measure on Wednesday night.

“I’ve had conference calls with my chiefs and they all feel the same [as Montreal Lake Cree Nation],” Ben said. “A lot of our people are still gathering and having socials together with alcohol being involved and we’re trying to ensure people are safe so we can get past COVID-19 and go on with our lives.”

At a press conference Thursday, Premier Scott Moe said the province is not considering any restrictions on liquor sales at this time, but that could change in the days and weeks ahead.

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“There are no restrictions that we’re actively considering today, as we’re pleased with the fact there’s no deaths today and a relatively low number of positive IDs,” Moe said. “We’ll continue to work with our community leaders, our Indigenous leaders as well as the advice of Dr. Shahab and our health authority in any of the decisions we make as we move forward.”

According to Ben, nine First Nation chiefs are considering alternative measures for local communities to ensure people are taking social distancing seriously.

Some of MLTC’s nine First Nation communities are discussing tightening their security through road blocks at entrances and implementing check points to ensure people are not bringing excessive amounts of alcohol into communities. Other communities like Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation are holding curfews after 10 p.m.

Effective today, all non-member access to Montreal Lake Cree Nation are being restricted with the exception of essential services such as food and gas trucks, and the nurses who work in the community. Check-stops have been set up outside the community for the past week.

Ben said there is consideration in asking the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to limit the amount of alcohol purchased by an individual. Currently, there is no limit as to how much alcohol people can buy.

“We’re looking at bootleggers because what they’re doing is buying [liquor] in mass quantities and selling it to the people who are home, staying home and giving them a reason to go out and meet up with other people, likely from all over Saskatchewan,” he said.

Ben said the RCMP has been helpful in enforcing First Nation bylaws by issuing fines and educating the public. He also noted bootlegging issues have risen as a fresh topic among council this week and has not concluded which measures will be effectively in place.

With files from paNOW

Editor’s note: this article was amended to correct the name of the MLTC Tribal Chief.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter:@nicolereis7722