News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kahnawà:ke - Enniskó:wa / March 18th, 2025)

We are thrilled to announce that the Sober Driver Service is officially becoming a full-time weekend program starting April 1, 2025. What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort has grown into a critical service that provides safe, reliable transportation for Kahnawa'kehró:non. This milestone reflects years of dedication, careful planning, and an unwavering commitment to reducing impaired driving in Kahnawà:ke.

The program was first launched as a grassroots effort in the summer of 2023 and quickly expanded due to overwhelming demand. As the need for the service became more evident, it evolved into a structured initiative, operating on weekends and during the holiday season. Recognizing its importance, a dedicated team formed under the Health and Safety Committee. The continued success of the initiative made it clear that a permanent, full-time solution was necessary.

Unlike urban centers that have various established options such as ride-sharing services or programs like Nez Rouge, Kahnawà:ke has long lacked a consistent, community-driven alternative. The Sober Driver Service fills this gap, ensuring that individuals have a safe and accessible way to get home, reducing the dangers posed by impaired driving.

As a full-time program, the service will now operate every weekend throughout the year, with additional coverage for high-risk occasions such as Powwow Weekend, New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Labour Day Weekend, Halloween, and the month of December, ensuring that community members have a safe and reliable way home during peak times. The structure of the program will continue to prioritize safety, with trained two-person driver teams providing transportation directly to passengers’ homes. If the car permits, drivers may also ensure the passenger’s own vehicle is safely transported home. The program’s guiding principle remains clear - this is not about facilitating further drinking but about offering a safe and responsible way home for those who need it.

This transition has been made possible through extensive research, strategic financial planning, and the efforts of the Sober Driver Committee, whose members each bring a unique perspective to strengthening the initiative. Their combined experience and dedication have helped shape the program into a structured, sustainable service that will continue to make a meaningful impact in the community.

This is a significant achievement for Kahnawà:ke. It demonstrates a collective commitment to harm reduction, public safety, and community well-being. The expansion of this program is not just about providing a service - it is about protecting lives and fostering a safer future for everyone.

For media inquiries and general questions, please contact:

Tish Pungartnik
Team Leader, Communications and Public Relations
(450) 632-6880 ext. 37230
Tishp@kscskahnawake.ca