Fort Smith residents call for more support for youth after alarming RCMP report on drinking

The Fort Smith RCMP presented a detailed report with troubling statistics of mischief, theft, and other misdemeanours, much of which were attributed to a sharp rise in alcohol-related incidents by local youth. (Carla Ulrich/CBC - image credit)
The Fort Smith RCMP presented a detailed report with troubling statistics of mischief, theft, and other misdemeanours, much of which were attributed to a sharp rise in alcohol-related incidents by local youth. (Carla Ulrich/CBC - image credit)

The latest crime report presented by the Fort Smith RCMP is causing alarm in the community.

The report, presented during at a recent town council meeting, detailed troubling statistics of mischief, theft, and other misdemeanours. At the meeting, RCMP attributed part of the increase to more incidents involving intoxicated youth.

Youth as young as 12 were found intoxicated and needing medical attention, some have even ended up in jail cells overnight to sober up, according to RCMP.

Mayor-elect Dana Fergusson was in the meeting and was shocked by the revelation. She's also concerned about the ease with which young people can obtain alcohol in the community.

"If they want it, they know where to go," she said. "And that's an adult doing that. I'm like, 'What are you doing?'"

Fergusson points to systemic issues, particularly the limited access to outpatient services for individuals seeking help.

If someone comes back to the community after treatment, it's hard to find the support they need, she said. She added there needs to be better follow-up services.

Mayor-elect Dana Fergusson said more funding needs to be available to community organizations that are "boots on the ground," supporting youth.
Mayor-elect Dana Fergusson said more funding needs to be available to community organizations that are "boots on the ground," supporting youth.

Mayor-elect Dana Fergusson said more funding needs to be available to community organizations that are "boots on the ground," supporting youth. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)

"If they want a clean, sober living or make the change for themselves, they have to be able to access those resources, and it's pretty hard here in our community," she said.

She recognizes some organizations, like Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre and the town's recreation centre, are working to keep kids engaged.

Earlier this year, Fergusson said the director of community services asked for a position to be created specifically to engage with high-risk youth, but that it's been hard to fill that role.

Fergusson said she'd like to see additional resources coming from the territorial government to help the efforts of "boots on the ground people."

Amy Harris is the executive director of Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre. She echoes Fergusson's call for additional resources and says Fort Smith urgently needs an outreach program.

"If there's funding, I would definitely be willing to take that on," she said. "We have a van, and we've done outreach before. I know it can be done. We just need the resources."

Harris said that proactive outreach would help all residents that find themselves in dangerous situations — and prevent youth from ending up in jail cells.

"I mean, they're young. Being put in jail, it's traumatizing for them," she said. "There's no detox here, no treatment centre. That's what we need. A jail cell is not a place for detox."

Amy Harris is the executive director of Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre in Fort Smith, N.W.T. She said the community needs an outreach program.
Amy Harris is the executive director of Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre in Fort Smith, N.W.T. She said the community needs an outreach program.

Amy Harris is the executive director of Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre in Fort Smith, N.W.T. She said the community needs an outreach program. (Carla Ulrich/CBC)

Harris also said that there needs to be better access to resources when they are needed.

"We need outreach teams out there talking to these kids, seeing what's going on with them. Give them food, warm clothing, offer them help. It's about being proactive, not just waiting until something bad happens."

Both Fergusson and Harris believe that tackling youth drinking in Fort Smith will take a combined effort from community members, local organizations, leaders, and the territorial government.

"That's important, because these are all our kids," Harris said, adding that her door is always open to youth that need support.