Blood Tribe trespass bylaw enforcement pushed back in the face of community questions
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BLOOD INDIAN RESERVE – It seems it will be another month before Blood Tribe Chief and Council enforce the Kainai/Blood Tribe trespass bylaw and regulations.
On March 22, 2017, Blood Tribe Chief and Council said that it will be implementing the rules in an effort to minimize drug activity and maintain community safety. That was originally set to start on April 13.
Two types of permits — residential and entry — will be required for all non-Blood Tribe members, since members already have the right to be on reserve land.
As Lethbridge News Now reported on March 31, those permits could come with a high price tag (schedule listed above).
Private businesses and professional firms are the hardest hit, faced with a $2000 annual fee. Day passes can be purchased for $50 per day or $250 per month, for those conducting lawful activities. Applications for all entry permits must be submitted to the lands management department.
Those attending public activities already authorized by Council, like hockey games, rodeos, pow wows, school events or local business, will not need to apply for any permits.
Residential permits can be acquired through the membership department for any non-Blood Tribe member spouses, children or grandchildren under 18-years old living on the reserve at $25 annually per person.
Once enacted, Blood Tribe police will have the authority to remove and charge anyone on reserve land who cannot prove that they are a member, or produce a valid permit.
Another media release posted on April 3 states, “We (Chief and Council) find that additional time is required to review and address questions that have been posed by the community.”
The bylaw and regulations are now supposed to take effect on May 3, 2017, ten days after the full details are to be posted on the Blood Tribe Council website.
On April 11, Lethbridge News Now reached out to Nadine Tailfeathers, senior management, and Annabel Crop Eared Wolf, tribal government coordinator. Both declined an opportunity to comment.
That same day, our reporter contacted Rick Tailfeathers, communications coordinator, to ask for help setting up an interview. He told the reporter that he is not authorized to speak toward the matter, adding that no one from the Blood Tribe will be able to answer questions given that they are not prepared to do so at this time.
