Siksika Nation steps up security plan

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On April 15, Siksika Nation emergency management announced the activation of its “COVID-19 Security Plan,” which is aimed to enhance the isolation of the Nation from surrounding communities through monitoring and community initiatives.
Siksika’s response “to ensure safety and support the community” in response to COVID-19 has been ongoing, including the declaration of a state of local emergency on March 15.
The First Nation’s road entrance points are being monitored with closed-circuit television video surveillance, and signs have been installed to inform visitors that these measures have been implemented to monitor road traffic and abnormal vehicle activity.
According to Stacy Doore, director of Siksika Nation Emergency Management, the closing of a provincial highway by any group is not permitted and “this was not our intent. We (Siksika Nation Emergency Management) wish to remind motorists to avoid non-essential travel to reduce traffic through the community,” he stated in a news release.
Doore added non-nation members are still encouraged to use highways throughout Siksika and are welcome to visit businesses that remain open, including the Siksika Business Plaza.
The security plan also includes a neighbourhood watch initiative to report suspicious or unusual activity, to remind nation members “to do their part and check on family, friends and neighbours.”