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Blood Tribe Police reports positive change for Kainai Indian Days 2017 coverage

The 51st annual Kainai Indian Days were held earlier this summer on the Blood Reserve in southern Alberta, which are historically the busiest time of year for Blood Tribe Police Service. This year, however, the service says things were “remarkably different” when it came to charges laid.

August 25, 2017 By Staff

The community of Blood Tribe hosted a rodeo, competition powwow, baseball tournament, traditional hand games and a fair that attracted “thousands of people to the community.”

Blood Tribe Police (BTPS) says it deployed all available resources and was supported by partners such as Lethbridge Police Service, RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs.

In comparison to the 2016 event, there were fewer calls for service, less prisoners and crime severity was reduced, according to BTPS. EMS and police did not deal with any fentanyl overdoses this year, compared to 2016.

“BTPS contributes this positive change to their enforcement efforts but also recognizes how the community has taken a stance against the illicit drug trade since a state of emergency in 2015, which was a result of the fentanyl overdose death toll,” the police service stated. “The community has worked diligently to spread awareness and many have made remarkable efforts to inform police of any suspicious activity.”

BTPS received 96 calls for service and a total of 35 charges were laid for various offences.

The BTPS Cadet Program, which consists of high school students, was also showcased throughout Kainai Indian Days, participating in grand entries, the parade and serving food during the Chief and Council Feast.