Native compensation package a mixed blessing

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I wonder how much of this money is destined for Natives in Alberta.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...ry/National/ho

OTTAWA — Nearly $2-billion in native residential schools compensation will be a mixed blessing, say frontline workers who fear major spikes in alcohol and drug use, family violence and exploitation.
Police forces are on alert across Canada as native bands and nearby cities brace for the cash injection.

Cheques are expected to average $28,000 and will start arriving within a month.

RCMP Chief Supt. Doug Reti, head of national aboriginal policing services, believes most people will spend or invest the money wisely. But others will drink or shoot up payments that could also attract con artists bent on scamming the most vulnerable people, he fears.

Many people fixed up their houses and yards, took trips and bought stocks. Others “got drunk for two weeks,” Mr. Bitternose said.

One young man made headlines after blowing $20,000 of his payment on a two-week cocaine bender.