Residents Hold March Against Violence
Area residents took to the streets of Wolf Point on Saturday, March 22, with a strong desire to reduce the number of violent criminal acts in the community.
As the group headed down Main Street shortly after noon, they chanted loudly “March Against Violence” and “Say Their Names.”
One of the event’s organizers was Wolf Point council member Lance FourStar. He said one of the goals of the community march was to create more awareness of the situation.
“We need to show the world and community we need to find an end to these unnecessary deaths,” FourStar said.
The Montana Chapter of the American Indian Movement provided security for the event.
After the march, participants exchanged ideas with the Department of Justice Community Services. FourStar said one suggestion if having good will ambassaadors serve as community patrol for high risk areas in Wolf Point.
The Wolf Point Police Department was on hand and encouraged people that if they see something to report it to law enforcement.
Wolf Point council member Dean Mahlum was also in attendance. Mahlum hoped that the event will lead to some dialogue in the community to help solve the problem.
Mahlum said the violence is the “top of the mountain” of challenges that also includes drug problems and people struggling financially.
Tribal Executive Board member Wayne Martell talked to the participants about the break down of the family including drug and alcohol use.
“We need to love and care for each other,” Martell said. He mentioned teaching children how to be good community members.
