‘Years of history’: Who is the former drug dealer banished from Haida Gwaii?

The small community of Skidegate on Haida Gwaii has been gripped by an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and continual disruption due to the actions of one man, Frank Young. His drug dealing activities have left residents feeling upset, anxious, and worried in their own homes. The impact of his actions has been so severe that the Skidegate Band Council has not ruled out banishment as a potential consequence if the justice system fails to protect the community from the harms caused by Young’s drug dealing.

In a statement to the B.C. provincial court in 2020, Michelle McDonald, a Skidegate band councillor, expressed the community’s fears and concerns regarding Frank Young and his family. Residents, including elders, youth, and families, are fearful of the accused and the individuals who frequent his home. They worry about potential retaliation if they speak out against Young and his activities. There is also a deep concern for the safety of young people who may be exploited or preyed upon in the context of drug use.

The situation escalated further when Young’s son, Tyson, was charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of Luke Pearson in a targeted hit-and-run incident. This tragic event led to the banishment of Frank and Roberta Young, along with other family members, from Haida Gwaii. The decision to banish the Young family has sparked reactions across northern B.C. as communities grapple with the corrosive impact of drug-related crimes.

Frank Young’s sentencing in 2021 revealed the extent of his involvement in drug trafficking, with the judge noting the presence of cocaine, pills, cannabis, and drug paraphernalia in his possession. Despite his claims of providing a “community service” by supplying drugs to willing customers, Young was sentenced to a year in jail for his crimes.

The Skidegate Band Council emphasized the need for Young to receive treatment and help for his addiction issues. They expressed concerns about the ongoing threat to the health and safety of their community posed by Young’s actions. Banishment was seen as a measure to protect the community from further harm.

Judge David Patterson acknowledged the impact of drug dealing on the community, describing it as a drain on resources and a cycle of poverty and addiction. He thanked McDonald for highlighting the ongoing issues faced by the community and emphasized the need for consequences for such behavior.

The case of Frank Young serves as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of drug-related crimes on small communities. The fear, mistrust, and disruption caused by his actions have left residents feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes. The decision to banish the Young family reflects the community’s resolve to protect its members and address the root causes of drug addiction and trafficking.