Sahtu Communities Launch Urgent K-9 Drug Screening Program

BREAKING: The community of Délı̨nę, N.W.T. has just launched a new K-9 screening program aimed at keeping drugs and alcohol off flights and out of the community. This initiative follows a similar program initiated in Fort Good Hope last May, reflecting urgent local concerns about substance abuse and its devastating impacts.

Community leaders in Fort Good Hope voiced alarm over the unchecked flow of drugs and alcohol into their area via air and winter roads. Joseph Tobac, president of the Yamoga Land Corporation, emphasized the pervasive nature of this issue: “There isn’t a person in Fort Good Hope that isn’t directly affected by this,” he stated. The alarming reality has led to the tragic loss of many community members, including mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters.

Tobac explained that the K-9 program was developed to empower the community to regain control over what enters Fort Good Hope, moving towards a preventive approach rather than solely relying on enforcement. “We want to give our community, our children a chance to live their lives drug-free,” he affirmed, highlighting the vision of a stronger, healthier community.

The K-9 screenings are conducted by North of Sixty K-9 Detection Services, led by Mark Hicks, a former RCMP officer. The program entails comprehensive bag and cargo checks at Yellowknife airport before flights head to both communities. Hicks revealed that an upcoming phase will introduce dogs trained to detect firearms. “We’re not here to persecute or make anybody feel guilty,” Hicks stated. “We’re here to educate and try and make our communities better.”

The screening process utilizes four friendly detection labs named Darby, Aero, Jax, and Chucky, chosen for their calm demeanor to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone involved. Hicks noted that their passive-detection method avoids profiling individuals, focusing instead on the safety of the entire community.

Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with Hicks sharing a touching encounter with a 15-year-old who expressed gratitude for the program’s impact. “It warms my heart when I hear it’s made a big difference in my house,” he remarked.

The RCMP supports such community initiatives, clarifying that officers respond only after being alerted by the detection services. Sahtu Dene Council Grand Chief Wilbert Kochon has reported noticeable positive changes since the program’s inception and envisions long-term benefits across the region.

Concerned about the potential spread of substance abuse to other areas, Kochon expressed a desire for more communities to adopt similar preventive measures. He noted that while his home of Colville Lake is generally peaceful, the absence of screenings could pose risks.

Tobac further emphasized the program’s success, citing a significant drop in illicit substances entering Fort Good Hope, alongside a documented decrease in crime statistics, especially regarding domestic violence and mental health crises. “That’s all we want,” he stated, reinforcing that the program aims not to shame individuals but to protect families after challenging years.

As the K-9 screening program unfolds, communities across the Sahtu region are urged to consider similar initiatives to combat the pervasive issue of substance abuse. The impact of this program could pave the way for a healthier, safer future for residents.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the communities work together towards a drug-free environment.