By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader In January, Bigstone Cree Nation issued a ban on illegal drug use within community boundaries. It was announced at a membership meeting on Jan. 19 and published on bigstone.ca on Jan. 20. However, not everyone agrees with the approach. Dr. Josie Auger has a PhD in public health sciences. She is a Bigstone member and lives in Wabasca. She works hybrid-remotely for the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry with a focus on Indigenous Health. She attended the Jan. 19 meeting and has some concerns. The letter from Bigstone council says, “We are choosing a path that prioritizes healing, safety, and collective responsibility.” Referring to this clause, Auger says, “I want to talk about the healing … recovery from…







