Rave on at Enoch reserve

Rave on at Enoch reserve: 'My butt's on the line,' admits acting chief

Publication title: Edmonton Journal
Pages: B1 / FRONT
Publication date: May 9, 2000
ProQuest document ID: 252721741
Copyright: Copyright Southam Publications Inc. May 9, 2000
Author: Powell, Kerry


Abstract:

Correction: A B1 story Tuesday incorrectly identified the name of the promotions company that hosted a rave at the Northlands Sportex in April, where eight people were taken to hospital with what police called drug-related seizures. The promoter was Def Star. /P 000510 A2

[Enoch]'s 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.

Full text:

Ran with factbox "Rave Rules" which has been appended to the end of this story.

Correction: A B1 story Tuesday incorrectly identified the name of the promotions company that hosted a rave at the Northlands Sportex in April, where eight people were taken to hospital with what police called drug-related seizures. The promoter was Def Star. /P 000510 A2

Enoch's 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, 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."

Morin said the 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 wouldn't give his name, said he's worried about the event because the use of drugs, particularly the amphetamine-like stimulant ecstasy, is widespread at raves, which aren't regulated by liquor laws or licensing bylaws.

He made reference to an April rave attended by nearly 5,000 young people at the Northlands Sportex, which 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 an Enoch 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."

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," Morin 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."

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.' "

Morin said council members were meeting with the promoter again late Monday. 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, city officials said they would review raves and may recommend guidelines or bylaw changes to help ensure the safety and security of party-goers.

RAVE RULES

Security for Saturday's rave:
- No drugs or alcohol allowed. Off-duty city police and RCMP officers in uniform will search for contraband at the doors.
- One security person for each 50 party-goers, including one posted at every entrance and roving patrols in the parking lot.
- Roadblocks to prevent ravers from entering Enoch village.
- A guarantee the promoter will turn the music down if it gets too loud.
- Anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people are expected for the 10 p.m.- to-8 a.m. party. The limit is 2,000.