Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has introduced a ban on alcohol following the death of three children just outside Nelson House.

Chief Marcel Moody made the announcement earlier this week that the decision was made out of respect for the boys who lost their lives. He said that the ban, which came into effect yesterday, is intended to create peace and harmony in the community without alcohol taking away from what is going on.

He said that there will be no public intoxication tolerated, and that community safety officers will enforce the ban with check-stops. If alcohol is discovered, it will be seized and destroyed.

Chief Moody added that community leadership is looking for ways to increase awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and that he hopes a lesson has been learned from this devastating but preventable accident so that it does not happen again.

The ban is only temporary, and was requested by community leaders at a meeting last Sunday.

The driver of the vehicle that struck and killed the three boys is facing nine chargers, including three counts each of impaired operation causing death and impaired operation over 80mg% causing death. He was previous charged and convicted of impaired driving in 2009.