The headquarters of the Spirit Lake Nation in Fort Totten, North Dakota. Photo from SLN
The Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota declared a state of emergency in response to drug trafficking problems on the reservation. The resolution blames methamphetamine, prescription drugs and heroin for high rates of violent crime and high rates of child abuse and neglect. It calls on the tribe to work with federal, state and local authorities to protect the safety and well-being of its people. "It has become an epidemic and the tribe is determined to do whatever it takes to address it within our borders," Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Greene-Robertson told The Devils Lake Journal. The tribe is considering banishment, imposing limits on benefits and sharing information with other tribes in order to prevent drug offenders from coming to the reservation. Get the Story:
Spirit Lake Tribe declares a state of emergency (The Devils Lake Journal 8/25)
Spirit Lake tribe resolved to fight drug trafficking (Forum News Service 8/27)
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