Rocky Boy may banish convicted drug dealers

Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation may follow the lead of two other Native communities and banish from the reservation people who have been convicted of serious drug offenses.

State Rep. Bruce Meyers, R-Box Elder, said more than 70 people attended a community meeting last week, and about 90 percent favored investigating the idea of banishment for drug pushers.

A task force was appointed at the meeting to come up with proposals that will be submitted to Chippewa Cree Business Committee, the tribal council.

Meyers said the action is being considered because of a growing alarm about the spread of hard drugs, especially methamphetamines, on the reservation.

He said people on the reservation are afraid to go out because of fear of drug dealers.

Last week, he said, tribal council member Jody Lamere’s home was broken into and several items were stolen.

He blamed the burglary on drug users who needed a fix.

“They have no respect,” he said. “They don't have respect for our leaders.

"Meyers praised tribal council member Dustin Whitford who campaigned on a platform on getting tough on drug users.

Whitford told people in attendance at the meeting that the council could take a preliminary vote on the proposal by November. There will be public hearings to get tribal members input, he said.

Meyers said the task force will consider how long to banish drug dealers from the reservation.

He suggested it might be one year for the first offense, three years for the second offense and eventually lifetime banishment.

Meyers said some people suggested that drug dealers, instead of being banished, undergo intense cultural training, highlighting the Chippewa Cree tradition of respect.

But one member, Russell Standing Rock, said drug pushers have expressed contempt for Chippewa Cree traditions, and other options should be considered.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council has passed a policy to ban drug dealers from the reservation, and the Blackfeet Reservation, based in Browning, is considering a similar move.

Meyers said he was pleased with the support the proposal has received thus far.