ATLIN, B.C. — The Taku River Tlingit First Nation has issued a three-year banishment order against five individuals it says pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of the community.
In a community safety notice dated June 17, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation Clan Directors Council said it had received significant concerns from community members and determined that the named individuals present a risk to public safety.
As a result, Corey McMahon, Donald Maxwell, Kenny Folbar, Jared Strasdin and Lynzee Silverfox have been banished from the Atlin area, Five Mile, surrounding areas and the Taku watershed for a period of three years.
Banishment is not common across all Canadian First Nations, but it is a recognized and ongoing practice in some Indigenous communities, particularly as a response to serious threats to community safety.
A constitutional concern often raised about banishment orders is that they may conflict with mobility rights and procedural fairness protections under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Section 6 of the Charter guarantees Canadian citizens the right to move to and take up residence in any province, while Section 7 protects life, liberty and security of the person and requires that deprivations of those interests accord with the principles of fundamental justice.
The order takes effect June 18, 2026, and is scheduled to expire June 18, 2029.
According to the notice, the individuals are not permitted within the identified areas for the duration of the banishment order.
The council said community safety remains a priority and encouraged residents to report information regarding individuals who may be placing the safety and well-being of the community at risk or who may be violating the order.
The notice states that all information shared will be treated with respect and confidentiality. Residents who are uncomfortable reporting directly are encouraged to speak with a trusted family member, Elder, staff member or community representative who can help bring information forward on their behalf.
The banishment order was issued by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation Clan Directors Council.