April 12, 2011 - Fort Smith is the latest NWT community to join together and say “Not Us” to drugs and alcohol.
Not Us! is a program of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Department of Justice. It provides funding and support for individual communities who envision drug-free, healthy communities. It is designed to empower and support communities to fight local substance addictions issues.
“With Not Us!, communities are taking a stand and telling drug dealers that they are not welcome, and teaching our kids that using drugs and alcohol is not acceptable,” said Minister of Justice, Jackson Lafferty. “Through strong partnerships, we are moving towards safer, healthier communities.”
Fort Smith’s Not Us! is supported by the following agencies: South Slave Divisional Education Council, Town of Fort Smith, RCMP, Public Health, Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority, Salt River First Nation, Smiths Landing First Nation, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 239, Uncle Gabes Friendship Centre, Fort Smith Seniors Society and Slave River Journal/Cascade Graphics.
Launched in March 2010, Not Us! has funded campaigns in Hay River, Inuvik, Dettah, N’dilo, and now Fort Smith, with several other communities hoping to launch their own initiatives in the coming year.
Not Us! is part of the Healthy Choices Framework, a GNWT-wide approach that encourages and supports NWT residents to make healthy and safe choices, consistent with the 16th Legislative Assembly’s goal of fostering healthy, educated people.
For more information, contact:
Tara Kearsey
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Tel: (867) 920-3130
Email: tara_kearsey@gov.nt.ca