HAVRE — The Fort Belknap Tribal Council voted unanimously to declare a state of emergency regarding methamphetamine and other drug use on the reservation.
The Havre Daily News reports council members also voted Monday to set aside $150,000 to fund a program to address the problem.
Council members heard from residents that families were being torn apart and people feared becoming crime victims. Council member Donald Archambault Sr. said there had been 10 drug-related deaths on the reservation since November.
Charmayne Healy and Miranda Crasco Kirk said they hoped the declaration would bring in more resources to establish treatment and education programs.
The Blackfeet Tribe in northwestern Montana has voted to banish drug dealers from the reservation while the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation is considering a similar move.
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