Sage Clan looks to help move drug activity out of Galt Gardens

By Herald on May 28, 2021.

Sage Clan members Gary Brave Rock, Jasmine Cachene, Alvin Mills (of the Kindness to Others Centre), Josh Cummins and Eric Eagle Child stand in front of a teepee emblazoned with the Sage Clan emblem Friday in Galt Gardens. Herald photo by Tim Kalinowski

Tim Kalinowski – Lethbridge Herald

The Sage Clan, in partnership with the Kindness to Others Renewal and Healing Centre and Blackfoot Lodge, is seeking to get those using drugs and alcohol in Galt Gardens to take these activities elsewhere.

“The atmosphere is not good in that it causes problems between people,” says Sage Clan founder Mark Brave Rock. “These are my people. These are my loved ones using the park not in the right way it is meant to be.

“We are bringing back values to our people to respect land,” he adds. “This is land. This is space designated for families and children. This is not a place to be used for illegal activities, for drinking, for drugging, or dealing and selling drugs.”

The Sage Clan has set up a teepee in Galt Gardens for three days to draw awareness to the issue and will have an Elder on hand to conduct pipe ceremonies to seek harmony and agreement on these matters. The Sage Clan is also handing out literature to gently encourage and admonish those currently using in the park to stop doing so.

“We believe in our people so much that they will listen,” he says. “We as Indigenous are taking a step that is an example. We need to heal ourselves, and we have to spearhead it ourselves.

“Of course, we need the help of the city of people,” he adds. “However, our message comes across more clear, more true, more accepted, more trusted, when it comes from our words. Many of us have lived the (addict’s) life, and maybe we have lived experience; so we share that.”

Brave Rock says those living on the streets know and trust members of the Sage Clan because of their advocacy work over the past two and half years, and he feels if the message to keep drugs and alcohol out of the park is coming from his members the homeless community will listen and will, at least, consider carefully what they are asking.

“The park needs to change,” he says. “It’s an eyesore, and it reflects poorly on our people.”

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