Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox announced a series of initiatives aimed at curbing the drug crisis on the First Nation, April 17, 2023. (Photo: Blood Tribe)

By David Opinko

Blood Tribe to bolster police & housing in effort to tackle drug crisis

Apr 17, 2023 | 3:50 PM

STANDOFF, AB – The Blood Tribe Chief and Council have announced a series of initiatives aimed at curbing the illicit drug crisis on the southern Alberta First Nation.

In a special announcement on Monday, April 17, 2023, Chief Roy Fox said it is clear that the number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths among Blood Tribe members has been increasing in recent months and years.

He said that the First Nation has set aside an initial investment of $1 million for a variety of law enforcement and housing programs. By the end of April, he hopes to increase that amount to more than $1.5 million.

“Our Blood Tribe Police requires additional human and financial resources in combatting the distribution and use of opioids and other harmful drugs within our lands and jurisdictions,” said Fox.

A new task force has been created within the Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) that, according to Fox, will be tasked with preventing the sale and use of drugs, as well as to boost the surveillance of drug trafficking activities.

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Fox said he is discussions with Crime Stoppers to potentially increase rewards for members of the public who are able to provide information that leads to arrests.

As well, he mentioned utilizing the Kainai/Blood Tribe Trespass Bylaw “more diligently” so that criminals who do not live on the First Nation “can be apprehended, convicted, and/or expelled from the reserve.”

The chief also said that housing will be a key part of the Blood Tribe’s efforts to help those who are suffering from substance addiction.

He announced that the First Nation plans to purchase several abandoned homes, many of which are reportedly being used for illegal activities.

“We will, again, utilize our own source revenues in renovating these houses so [that] deserving homeless families can have adequate houses to live in,” said Fox.

Fox said that he and council will continue to advocate for more supports for addictions treatment and recovery.

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