Pubdate: Fri, 03 Feb 2006 Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN) Copyright: 2006 The StarPhoenix Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n116/a06.html Author: Ethan Erkiletian BANISHMENT NO SOLUTION I was horrified to read in the story Band gets tough on drug activity (SP, Jan, 27) that right here in Canada, a democratic and accountable organization would consider banishment in response to people being involved with illegal drugs. How do people so involved with their spiritual roots come to consider banishing community members as an answer to any problem? Is this what we should expect from First Nations people who demand the right of self-governance? Surely this event isn't representative of all First Nations -- I simply don't believe the vast majority are this foolish -- but it still must be recognized for what it is: an irresponsible overreaction to a social problem. Leaders should think long and hard about what is accomplished before they send community members packing with a horse and six shooter to survive the prairies. I hope the Pasqua First Nation comes to understand that exporting its people doesn't export the root cause of the problem. Even if it accomplished anything at home, it doesn't take into account the community into which the problems are being exported, or help those people deal with it. I implore the Pasqua First Nation leadership to immediately repeal this foolish policy and consider further what can be done to help band members solve community-based problems. No one should face banishment from their peers. This is a punishment rooted in the stone ages and long since recognized as cruel, unreasonable and useless! If drugs are a problem, we should be looking at a more personalized and responsible approach. It is shocking enough we throw people in jail for using drugs, but banishment is simply outlandish. Ethan Erkiletian President, Sask. Marijuana Party Saskatoon - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman