The Tłı̨chǫ citizens of Behchoko, Whati, Gameti, & Wekweeti located in Northwest Territories, Canada are suffering from an alcohol & drug epidemic (drugs such as crack cocaine) that have been destroying the lives and future of our community members. This fast growing problem has caused many preventable deaths amongst our youth in our region and we still have no laws implemented to prevent this growing crisis. The purpose of this petition is to hold our chiefs and leaders accountable to their promises of their position. We are promised everyday that changes will be made. We, as a tłı̨chǫ nation are asking our chiefs and leaders to implement a 'Plan of Action' to eliminate drugs and alcohol from all communities. All signatures are welcome because we need the support.

It also states in the Tłı̨chǫ Government website that: "Tłı̨chǫ Government is the governing authority within Tłı̨chǫ Lands. The Tłı̨chǫ Government has the power to pass laws, enforce its own laws, delegate its powers and authority, and establish structure of Tłı̨chǫ Government and its internal management."

Our self-government literally has the power and authority to implement any laws. We need to know how the chiefs and leaders will take action on this specific problem because it has been proven unprioritized. It’s good to remind our leaders and ourselves why we fought so hard for a self-government. The self-government is to grant us the ability to act in our best interest for our elders, youth and future generations. Implementing a permanent or temporary ban of drugs and alcohol is not enough. 

Here are examples of questions we need answered:

• What steps have been taken?
• What are the steps the chiefs & leaders will take?
• What has been done already?
• What has been successful?
• What has been unsuccessful?
• How are they reaching out to us about this specific problem?
• Will there be new laws established to eliminate drugs & alcohol after this petition?

After decades of broken promises, we need to know if there is a plan implemented. If not, implement a plan to eliminate the growing crisis that the Tłı̨chǫ people are experiencing every single day. If you agree, please sign this petition and hold our chiefs and leaders accountable. We as a community would like a 'Plan of Action' to be created by December 01, 2023. A due date is needed because each life is at stake and we've waited long enough. Everything else can come later. 

We understand that problems also stem from the home, but our chiefs & leaders also have the power and authority to create any laws within our self-government!