Frank Young, a former drug dealer with a troubled past, has been banished from Haida Gwaii following years of disruptive criminal behavior that created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety in the community. The decision to banish Young comes after several years of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, that led to growing concerns among local residents.

In 2020, Michelle McDonald, a Skidegate Band Councillor, warned a B.C. provincial court judge that the community of Skidegate could not afford to wait any longer for effective protection against the harm caused by Young’s actions. “We have an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and continual disruption,” McDonald said during a community statement, detailing the negative impacts of Young’s behavior on her neighbors and the community at large.

According to McDonald, neighbors were constantly on edge, fearing for their safety and the safety of their families. “People are upset, anxious, and worried in their own homes,” she said, urging the court to take stronger action against Young.

This plea came during Young’s sentencing in November 2020 for a drug-related offense. In addition to criminal charges, Young’s activities had caused a significant strain on the social fabric of the community. His involvement in drug trafficking was not just a legal issue—it had rippled through families, contributing to a growing sense of instability in Skidegate.

In light of the damage caused by his presence, the Skidegate Band Council expressed its intention to banish Young if other legal measures were insufficient to address the problem. Banishment, an age-old practice among some Indigenous communities, was seen as a potential solution when other options failed to protect the public.

For years, Young had been a figure of fear and mistrust within the community. The RCMP and other law enforcement agencies had attempted to manage his activities, but the persistent nature of his crimes made him a longstanding issue for residents. His drug dealing created a network of individuals who contributed to the ongoing disruption in the small community.

Now, after multiple legal proceedings and community consultations, the decision has been made to expel Young from Haida Gwaii. The community hopes that his absence will allow them to begin the long process of healing and rebuilding the trust that was eroded over time.

While the banishment of Young marks a significant chapter in the community’s efforts to reclaim peace, it also raises important questions about how justice is administered within Indigenous communities. The case highlights the balance between traditional practices and modern legal systems, as well as the challenges communities face in dealing with crime and its long-term impacts.

The Skidegate Band Council has emphasized that this action is not taken lightly. It represents a desperate need to protect the community from further harm and to provide a safer environment for families. As the community moves forward, it is hoped that the lessons learned from this experience will lead to stronger and more effective measures to prevent future disruptions.