File photo: Houses on the Tsulquate reserve near Port Hardy. PHOTO BY BRIAN HUTCHINSON /National Post
Michael John Lo • Victoria Times Colonist
There have been 11 deaths in two months at the Tsulquate reserve
The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations have declared a state of emergency for their reserve north of Port Hardy following the deaths of 11 of its members in the past two months. Many of those deaths were caused by poisoned drugs and alcohol, the nation said.
Issued on the direction of hereditary chiefs and matriarchs, Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations council said it will take “all necessary measures” to protect its members and to remove drug dealers and alcohol suppliers from Tsulquate 4 reserve. “The loss of so many precious lives in such a short time have caused massive suffering, grief and trauma.”
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Colleen Hemphill, chief treaty negotiator for the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw for 27 years, said six deaths happened within a span of 10 days. “As you can imagine, it’s pretty devastating.”
The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations have about 1,100 members.
It is custom for up to 200 people to gather for comfort services where they can bring food and grieve with the affected family after a person’s passing, Hemphill said.
“People do their best to respond and try to help each other.”
But it’s been happening far too often, she said.
The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations called on the RCMP to commit to enforcing the community’s bylaws to help protect youth from drugs and alcohol. Many of those who died were in their 20s.
