Publication title: National Post
Pages: A10
Dateline: EDMONTON
Section: News
Publication date: May 9, 2000
Copyright: (Copyright National Post 2000)
Author: Powell, Kerry
EDMONTON - The Enoch band council has agreed to allow a rave for up to 2,000 people this Saturday in the reserve's recreation centre, despite objections from the RCMP and some residents.
Blair Morin, acting chief of Enoch Cree Nation, said approval for the all-night dance party was only given after the promoter satisfied council's safety and security concerns.
No drugs or alcohol will be allowed, security will be extremely tight and roadblocks will be set up to keep ravers away from the village, Mr. Morin said.
"This decision to have a rave here was not done overnight and there's been serious consideration. We know that we're taking a risk -- a big risk -- but this promoter has done everything to accommodate every concern we have."
Mr. Morin said money from the lease fee is needed to renovate the rundown centre, which has been closed all winter.
"I know my butt's on the line but I'm trying to think fairly and treat this as a business and an event that could generate some income for the rec centre."
A Stony Plain RCMP inspector, who would not give his name, said he is worried about the event because drug use, particularly the amphetamine-like stimulant Ecstasy, is widespread at raves, which are not regulated by any liquor laws or licensing bylaws.
He also mentioned an April rave attended by nearly 5,000 young people at the Northlands Sportex, a sports facility. The rave was hosted by the same promoter, HB Promotions. Lineups to get in were four-hours long and eight people were taken to hospital with what police called drug-related seizures.
The inspector said he expressed his concerns at a band council meeting two weeks ago.
"We asked if they really wanted that happening in their community and said we didn't think it was a great idea, what with the gang influences and the drugs. But they decided to go ahead with it. They're after the money."
Mr. Morin said the officer who attended the meeting was vague about his opposition to the event. If the RCMP genuinely object to the rave, they should put it in writing, he said.
"Their job is to respond to the calls we have out here and I'm hoping they don't get any calls that night."
Mr. Morin said some residents were also against the rave.
"I've met with people coming in the office here saying 'You're an idiot. Why do you want to host this here? There's going to be drugs and alcohol.' And I say, 'That's where you don't understand. There is no drugs or alcohol.' "
Mr. Morin said council members were meeting with the promoter again late yesterday. If ticket sales are low or councillors aren't satisfied with the safety precautions being taken, the rave may still be cancelled, he said.
Last week, Edmonton officials said they would review raves and may recommend guidelines or bylaw changes to help ensure the safety and security of party-goers.
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