Atikameg voters want dry reserve

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The Whitefish Lake (Atikameg) band members overwhelmingly voted to go dry and support a bylaw prohibiting alcohol from the reserve.

The decision was made after more than 100 band members signed a petition requesting a dry reserve earlier in the year. The band members' public outcry against booze was heard by the chief and council who decided to settle the issue with a plebiscite vote March 17. The results were 72-19 in favour of a dry reserve.

Chief Eddie Tallman says he was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the support for a dry reserve came from young people who showed up in bunches at the vote. "We're finding that we have overwhelming support for the concept of a dry reserve from about 80 to 90 per cent of the membership," he explains.

Tallman says he and the council are welcoming the concept wholeheartedly because they feel alcoholism has been at the root of many social problems on the reserve. He explains band officials have been meeting periodically to evaluate the band's social and economic status. "We looked at all of our problems and found that everything was related to alcohol," he adds.

"I think a lot of problems can be linked to alcoholism. Even a bad 'economybecause if a guy drinks during the week day, chances are he won't make it to work the next day."

Tallman says the reserve also wants to improve its image. "We have a bad reputation in our areasome people say the Whitefish Lake band is a bunch of drunks. But, that's not true and want to prove that."

Tallman adds he hopes the Whitefish reserve becomes an example for other reserves to follow. But, he says the decision lies in the hands of the band membership of reserves that want to attempt the same thing.

"I think the decision has to come from the membership and the leaders know this. Without the support of band members, it would be political suicide for the chief and council to try prohibit alcohol," he explains.

Band representatives will meet with officials from the High Prairie detachment to discuss enforcement of the regulations that will govern prohibition on the reserve. Tallman notes the reserve's band constable will have "strict control" as well.

Recreation will play a large role in preventing alcohol consumption on the reserve, says Tallman, explaining the reserve is planning to build a recreation and child daycare center if the membership approves.

Tallman doesn't foresee any problems with bootleggers disrupting the reserve's push toward sobriety. He says, if someone wants to drink, they can go to liquor outlets in High Prairie, some 90 km south of the reserve.

Before the reserve can start enforcing the new bylaw, the federal minister of the Department of Indian Affairs must approve the regulations. The minister has 40 days to respond.