Addressing the Harmful Effects of Dangerous Drugs in Native Communities

Description

Throughout Indian Country, drugs affect communities in unfathomable ways. Both the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs have generally noted that drug abuse often leads to other crimes, including theft, burglary, assaults and even homicide. For far too long, the Wind River Reservation had one of the highest rates of violent crimes in Indian Country. In 2009, the Wind River Reservation was selected for the Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement pilot program to reduce violent crime. It was called the High Priority Performance Goals Program. According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, from 2009 to 2013, the Wind River Indian Reservation had a 60 percent reduction, a 60 percent reduction in violent crime. It’s a remarkable accomplishment and perhaps a template that other tribal communities could model.