April 16, 2010
By Keven Drews, The Canadian Press
AHOUSAT, B.C. - Twelve residents of this aboriginal community northwest of Tofino have been told they've got until Monday to get treatment for drug and alcohol problems or get out of the community.
John Frank, chief councillor of the Ahousaht First Nation, said the original deadline was this week, but more time was given so lawyers could clarify wording on the eviction letters.
"They've got until Monday dusk," said Frank.
If the 12 have decided not to attend treatment, hereditary chiefs - accompanied by police - will ask the individuals to leave the community, said Frank.
Police will accompany the chiefs to ensure "peace" is maintained.
In March, the Ahousaht First Nation's hereditary chiefs and leaders sent 30 people to treatment for eight weeks after community members demanded something be done about the village's addiction problems.
A similar eviction took place in 2007.
"We're just trying to get our community healthy," said Frank. "That's all we're working towards. I don't understand who wouldn't want to be healthy."
He said the band is working towards independence, but to be independent the community's core must be healthy.
Ahousat is located on Flores Island, a 45-minute boat ride northwest of Tofino.