Blame ourselves for alcoholism says former chief

Alkali Lake Band, British Columbia

Lack of economic opportunities is just an excuse for widespread alcoholism, says Charlene Belleau, former chief of the Alkali Lake band in British Columbia.

"Most places I travel to, our leaders still blame high unemployment, poor housing, low education as the reason why their people drink," said Belleau, urging that Natives accept responsibility for drinking problems.

The band, once 95 per cent alcoholic, is now 95 per cent sober and has an objective of a dry Indian nation by the year 2000.