Alcohol abuse contributed to inquiry, says members

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Alcohol problems on the Blood Reserve have been tackled head on in recent testimony at the $2-million Rolf inquiry which is investigation strained relations between the band and police.

Blood Band lawyer Eugene Creighton says the inquiry likely would not have been called if it wasn't for the extensive alcohol abuse on the reserve and he gave it credit for increasing awareness about the problem.

Band Chief Roy Fox also took the stand to talk about his own battle with alcohol, a subject he said he doesn't often talk about in public.

One youth leader said the problem is largely the result of young people having nothing else to do.

"There are no other programs on the reserve other than just going to the bars and drinking," said Sandra Eagle Child, a 22-year-old University of Lethbridge student.

She also testified young Blood Indians will only begin to co-operate with RCMP when police treat them as equals rather than as drunks.

She said RCMP racism, such as an incident last summer in which a Native woman was publicly ridiculed by several officers while being arrested, have soured young people's perception of police.

Meanwhile, band member Jeff Healy who coaches minor hockey in nearby Cardston, said he tries to make his players see they don't need alcohol.

Several players are beginning to be scouted by major junior hockey teams because of their success, he said.