Long Plain First Nation Chief David Meeches and Council have found support from Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox and Council to see justice accomplished about cases handled by the Crown Attorney’s Office in Portage la Prairie over the last three years.
Chief Meeches says throughout his time since December, his council has met with Mayor Knox at the Portage Council chambers to discuss their common issues.
“We were aware, of course, that the common issue that we have is our concerns in Long Plain relating to our State of Emergency on drugs, and everything that is associated with that. We’ve expressed ourselves to Portage la Prairie Mayor and Council, and we’re trying to find a way to work together to address the issue. More recently, what’s come to our attention is that — and I can only refer to Long Plain — individuals engaging in criminal activity are immediately being released back into the community. It goes against our laws relating to the State of Emergency on drugs. We’re seeing people being released into the community and starting up their activity almost immediately.”
Meeches explains over 30 years ago, he was a Parole Officer and Probation Officer in the Court in Portage la Prairie. He notes his observation was to routinely go downstairs to the basement of the Provincial Building to the court where justice is to be served.
“Here I am, 30-some years later, and that hasn’t changed. What is the history telling us here? I think it’s time for the Provincial Government to step up and take calls about our crimes that are being committed in our jurisdictions a little more seriously. Maybe there should be some investment by the Province of Manitoba in Portage la Prairie to have a standalone facility where justice can be administered.”
He notes Long Plain issues are the same across all of Manitoba. Meeches says drugs are everywhere, but they can only address their jurisdictions.
“I certainly feel, and our Council feels, that this is the only way to get our voices heard. We’re hoping an audit occurs and we’ve taken it a step further and asked that a new Crown Attorney be appointed to the Portage la Prairie area.”
Meeches gives credit to Mayor Knox and Council for this effort, noting they’re always open to talk and discuss their common issues.
“I’ve got to add, it is my personal opinion and the opinion of the Long Plain Chief and Council that we believe the vast majority of the citizens of Portage la Prairie are good people. And Portage la Prairie is a wonderful place. That’s how we feel about our community. And what we’re observing here is a handful of people are causing disruption and doing these things. The general public outside our jurisdictions could view us differently if we don’t speak out.”
He stresses these two communities are good places to visit.
Meeches adds from his perspective in representing his community, this level of cooperation with Portage la Prairie is unprecedented
“I don’t know about Portage la Prairie, but it’s certainly a first for us. Our letter went out to different First Nations, including the Dakota Ojibwa Tribal Council. I suspect everybody will come forth with similar stories. The only way you’re going to overcome the issues we face is by speaking out about them and appropriately addressing them.”
He adds it’s up to the province to initiate the process. He says they, unfortunately, don’t have a say from their perspective from the outside looking in.
“We’ve asked for meetings and, as time passes, I’m hoping significant steps will be made toward achieving what our letter is requesting. I fully anticipate to continue to meet with the Mayor and her council, and I fully expect that we will continue to work together and try and solve these problems and speak with a collective voice.”
Meeches refers to the Internet Child Exploitation charges laid in Portage to six people, including a Long Plain First Nation resident.
“What prompted us to originally declare a State of Emergency on drugs in Long Plain was that we had an idea of something of that nature was going on. It was a shock to us to hear that underage girls were involved. It’s very unfortunate that it had to happen. I believe the officer who provided a statement indicating that if you think this is not happening within your community, it is, just reinforces what we need to do as a government in Long Plain to continue to address the vulnerability of our people. The only way to do that is to see individuals who involved themselves in these activities be held accountable.”
He explains as Chief, he and Council were attacked by members of their community a few weeks ago. Meeches says there were cameras involved along with several statements from witnesses.
“Pictures were taken and videos of us being attacked were online. And I don’t know how many times — -maybe twice, three times — I got a call from the Crown Attorney’s Office. I don’t remember in particular who called me, but they were asking for a sharing circle. In my example, with all due respect to the Mayor and Council of Portage la Prairie, if they were attacked at their Council meeting in the manner that we were, was that option given to them, or is it only because they assumed that is a practice acceptable to the government of Long Plain? It isn’t.”
Meeches says they’re hearing that charges may have been stayed against individuals, while Council was never informed of it.
“How we found out about it was that it was one of the perpetrators who was texting and mocking us. At that point, we lost confidence in the justice system being applied in Portage la Prairie; not the justice system in general. To me, it almost seems like you’re fast tracking criminal cases to ensure a conviction by plea-bargaining with individuals against whom there was obvious evidence. We are currently looking at the issue of private prosecution, but only time will tell.”
Letter to Province from Long Plain First Nation
Letter to Province from City of Portage la Prairie
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