Steve Lillebuen and Elise Stolte, Canwest News Service Published:
National Post
A gun amnesty believed to be the first of its kind in
Police will begin accepting illegal or unwanted firearms and ammunition for four months.
Every gun turned in to police is one less that can get into the hands of a criminal, Alberta Justice Minister Alison Redford said Wednesday.
"Just think about it: guns off the street will mean less crime. That's pretty simple," she said, adding the people of Hobbema have decided to take ownership of their community.
"All of the answers aren't here today, but we're trying to be very proactive in talking with communities about how they want to define themselves and how they want to live." It's believed to be the first time a gun amnesty has taken place on a First Nations reserve, Public Security Minister Fred Lindsay said.
The idea of a gun amnesty was born out of consultation with citizens who want to help reduce criminal activity and gang violence, said Bill Smith, RCMP K Division assistant commissioner.
The amnesty comes after years of persistent violence and gang activity in the small community about 90 kilometres southeast of
In April, 23-month-old Asia Saddleback was in the kitchen of her Hobbema home on the Samson First Nation when a bullet fired from a passing vehicle tore through her family's home and struck her in the abdomen.
She spent nearly two weeks in hospital.
The shooting was linked to gang violence on the reserve. The incident has now galvanized the community to do something about the growing problem, said Carolyn Buffalo, a community member and councillor for the Montana First Nation.
"It mobilized us to take action because such a thing should never, ever occur to anyone in any community," she said. "We want our community safe."
Community leader Roy Louis said many of Hobbema's problems originated with an unbridled oil boom 20 years ago that ripped open social issues.
Gangs began forming, creating rivalries between each other that have continue today with second-generation members, he said.
"All of a sudden, we had drive-by shootings and it kept escalating to a point where something needed to be done," he said.
Those who turn in their weapons over the next four months will not be charged with possession of an unlicensed or unregistered firearm, RCMP said.
However, if a weapon is found to have been stolen or was used to commit a crime, an investigation may ensue and result in charges.
All firearms, including shotguns, replicas and pellet guns, will be accepted, as will dangerous weapons such as knives.
To hand in an unwanted firearm, residents must contact the Hobbema RCMP.
An officer will then pick up the weapon.