CRISIS UNIT ASSEMBLED AFTER APPARENT OVERDOSE ON PAUL BAND

The Paul Band First Nation assembled a crisis unit this morning to
help local students cope after three teenagers became seriously ill
after reportedly taking an unknown drug Sunday.

The team went out to schools in the community about 80 km west of
Edmonton to debrief students and provide counselling, said band
spokesman Dennis Paul.

"The community is in crisis, and the community is obviously upset," he said.

"But the community is also in support of the families. And we are
trying to address this sensitive matter as professionally, as
quickly, and as culturally appropriate as possible."

The families of the girls have requested that no information about
their condition be released, said Alberta Health Services spokesman
Rob Stevenson.

Paul said two of the girls are still clinging to life and remain in
critical condition while the third is in stable condition at the
Stollery Children's Hospital.

Four girls were taken to hospital before 1 a.m., but one was treated
and released, RCMP spokesman Cpl. Wayne Oakes said yesterday. Police
have not determined whether the investigation will be criminal in nature.

It is believed as many as nine people took the drug, said Paul,
adding he was told it was ecstasy.

Contrary to earlier reports, the group did not take the drugs at a
wedding celebration but at a location nearby, Paul said. When word
broke out that the teens were in trouble, wedding-goers halted the
festivities to rush to their aid.