The Royal Mounted Police have issued a warning on Erick Gonzalez. This was published in the Haida Observer 9-6-12, pg 23.
Pls repost widely anywhere Gonzalez's workshops, seminars, ceremonies, or other scams such as Earth People United are promoted.
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Concerns raised about ceremonial drug use
Submitted by the Masset RCMP
The Masset RCMP has received information from concerned citizens of Haida Gwaii about a group called the Earth People United and the group's
founder Erick Gonzalez. The group's website states that'their mission is to connect people to the natural and spiritual world, and to bridge the wisdom
of'the Ancient Ones with the world of today. One of the concerns raised by the public is that the group may be encouraging and facilitating the use of hallucinogenic drugs during the religious ceremonies in order to experience a spiritual state of nrind.
It has been reported that drugs such as pevote mescaline and ayahuasca may be used during these ceremonies to elicit hallucinations that are then being interpreted as spiritual or ceremonial. It should be noted that mescaline in any form is a controlled substance and is listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possession or distribution of mescaline would contravene the act and could result in charges.
The Masset RCMP is urging the public to think critically. about the use these so-called 'healing" or "spiritual" drugs. Not only are some of these substances illegal in Canada but it has been reported that they can produce negative long-term side effects, including insomnia, anxiety, emotional instability and headaches. The illegal nature of these hallucinogenic drugs and their health risks should be taken very seriously if considering their use.
The other concern that is being communicated by community members is that traditional Haida gifts are being given to the group's founder, Erick Gonzalez: These culturally relevant gifts are provided in addition to a fee fhat is required to attend the ceremonies. The tradition of gifting is a widely accepted practice and it is not suggested that it should be stopped. What is of concern is the expectation of receiving a gift. Any group or individual that expresses the expectation of receiving a gift should be questioned in regards to their motives.
At this time the Masset RCMP is continuing the investigation into this matter and encourages people who may have further information to contact Const. Scott McDiarmid at 250-626-3991.
