In August 2024, I narrowly escaped a tragic fate due to kratom addiction. What started as a seemingly harmless choice spiraled into a dependency so severe that it led to overdose and a long, challenging road to recovery. This personal battle has ignited a profound urgency within me to protect others on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, where I am an enrolled member of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes.

Kratom, is often marketed as a natural remedy. It carries serious risks of addiction, dependency, and potentially life-threatening health complications. Its growing popularity and accessibility raise significant public health concerns. Despite its natural origins, kratom is not without danger, and its consequences can be devastating.

I am calling on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board to enact legislation banning the commercial sale of kratom and all kratom-derived products throughout the reservation. This petition does not seek to criminalize individuals who use or possess kratom, but rather to prevent its continued commercial distribution within our community.

Protecting our community requires proactive measures, particularly when it comes to our most vulnerable populations. We must recognize the potential dangers of kratom and address them before more individuals and families experience the devastating consequences of addiction. Prevention should be a priority, not an afterthought.

I urge tribal members, families, and supporters to sign this petition and stand together in calling for meaningful action. Our community deserves a safer future.