The Liquor Act R-025-2023 establishes a Temporary Prohibition Order for the Charter Community of K’ásho Got’iné in the Northwest Territories. This order was enacted at the request of the community council to temporarily ban the consumption, sale, and transportation of alcohol during significant local celebrations, specifically National Indigenous Peoples Day and Sahtu Day in 2023. The K’ásho Got’iné community council recognized the need to create a safe environment during these important cultural events, which occur from June 19 to June 26, 2023. Aware that large gatherings can lead to challenges related to alcohol consumption, the council sought the Minister of Finance’s assistance to officially designate this period as a prohibition zone.

The order defines a prohibited area encompassing a radius of 25 kilometers from the Charter Community Office in K’ásho Got’iné, meaning that anyone within this zone is subject to the restrictions outlined. The prohibition will be effective from 12:01 a.m. on June 19, 2023, until 11:59 p.m. on June 26, 2023. This week-long prohibition aligns with both Indigenous Peoples Day and Sahtu Day, allowing the community to celebrate without the potential negative impacts of alcohol.

During this prohibition period, individuals are forbidden from consuming alcohol, purchasing alcohol, selling alcohol, and transporting alcohol within the specified area. This comprehensive approach ensures that no alcoholic beverages are available, which reinforces the community’s intention to create a sober environment during the festivities. The order is backed by subsection 53(5) of the Liquor Act, granting the Minister the authority to implement such prohibitions as necessary. This legal framework is vital for maintaining order and protecting community welfare during major events.

The order takes effect immediately, even before its publication in the Northwest Territories Gazette, the usual official communication channel for such announcements. This urgency underscores the importance of the prohibition for the upcoming celebrations. By implementing this Temporary Prohibition Order, K’ásho Got’iné demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its members during culturally significant times. Reducing the availability of alcohol fosters a celebratory atmosphere that highlights Indigenous culture, heritage, and community unity, free from the complications often associated with alcohol consumption.

The Temporary Prohibition Order serves as a proactive measure by the K’ásho Got’iné community to ensure that National Indigenous Peoples Day and Sahtu Day are observed in a safe and respectful manner. 

Northwest Territories (R-025-2023) June 30, 2023