Anishinabek to host 'War on Drugs' conference

Union of Ontario Indians
News Release

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NIPISSING FIRST NATION - The Anishinabek Nation is taking significant steps in eliminating illicit drug abuse, trafficking and associated organized crime in their 42 First Nations across Ontario.

"Booniikan Neshnaaskaagwin Mshkiki" - the Anishinabek Nation "War on Drugs" Strategy Conference will inform Anishinabek leadership of current research, trends and actions with regards to prescription drug misuse and illicit drug abuse in First Nations and Canada in general. It will also provide a forum for Anishinabek leadership to discuss possible solutions and actions to address the situation.

"Our leadership and communities are fully committed to the
War on Drugs. This is another significant step in re-claiming our own jurisdiction and eliminating a difficult barrier to wellness, community healing and ultimately, our nationhood," says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage.

WHO: Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare, Anishinabek Nation Chiefs, community health providers,

Anishinabek Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network

WHERE: Caruso Club, 385 Haig Street, Sudbury

WHEN: Monday, February 16th 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Tuesday, February 17th 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

The Anishinabek Nation formed the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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