SHESHATSHIU, N.L. — In a decisive move to counter the growing drug problem within the Innu community of Sheshatshiu in Labrador, local leaders have implemented barricades at the entrance of the town and evicted several individuals linked to drug activities. This response is part of a broader initiative to safeguard the community, particularly its youth, from the detrimental effects of substance abuse.

Eugene Hart, the chief of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, announced in an interview that as of Monday, community safety officers have begun to inspect vehicles entering the area. This policy aims to regulate access and deter the influx of illegal substances that have increasingly targeted young people within the community. Hart revealed that three individuals, explicitly identified as not being from the community, have been ordered to leave due to concerns regarding drug-related activities.

The decision to reinforce these measures came after two community meetings, which attracted approximately 150 residents. These discussions focused on exploring effective methods to prevent the introduction of illegal drugs into Sheshatshiu. According to Hart, drug trafficking has escalated, posing a significant threat to the community and particularly its youth, prompting residents to call for urgent intervention to reduce this alarming trend.

Hart highlighted the severe impact of substance and alcohol abuse on the community, citing that approximately 28 individuals have died as a result of these issues over the past three years, within a population of around 2,000. This statistic underscores the urgent need for action in a community that has historically faced crises related to addiction, suicide, and violent deaths.

Sheshatshiu has had its share of public health crises in the past, including substantial gas-sniffing issues among its youth in the early 2010s and a local state of emergency declared following a wave of suicide attempts in the fall of 2019. These incidents have highlighted the ongoing struggles that the community faces in dealing with the aftereffects of substance abuse and mental health challenges.

This concerted effort by the leaders of Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation reflects a growing recognition of the need for community-focused strategies to combat addiction and protect the well-being of residents. The implementation of vehicle inspections and the eviction of individuals contributing to the drug problem signify a proactive approach aimed at reclaiming community safety and health.