Members and leaders of the Lummi Nation of Washington held a cleansing ceremony to burn down a house that was used to sell drugs.

The house was being rented to a person who is in jail for drug-dealing. The owners, who were unaware of the activity, agreed to have it burned down.

The ceremony was part of increased efforts by the Lummi Nation to combat drugs and crime on the reservation. Since January 2004, 21 people have been charged with drug dealing, resulting in 15 convictions and five pending trials. The tribe has opened a youth treatment facility and a youth safe house.

Get the Story:
Lummis enlist fire, an old ally, as they battle scourge of drugs (The Seattle Times 12/2)

Relevant Links:
Lummi Nation - http://www.lummi-nsn.org

Related Stories:
Lummi Nation imposes temporary ban on alcohol (01/22)
Tribe turns to banishment to battle drugs (1/19)
Lummi Tribe can banish members for drug offenses (05/19)