A state of emergency has been declared by the Carrier and Sekani Nation Chiefs, but it’s for an issue that dates much further back than Covid.
Indigenous People continue to be over-represented in overdose death rates in the province, and recent events have only compounded that.
In light of this, and three recent overdose deaths in their communities, the Nation has called the state of emergency to combat the opioid crisis.
According to Carrier Sekani Family Services, toxic drug supplies in the interior, mental health issues stemming from colonialism and abuse, and the inter-generational impacts of Residential Schools, all contribute to this over-representation.
They also say they are more than ready to increase capacity and services to help with the issue, but need more funding and support to do so.
They are calling for both the Pronvincial and Federal governments to commit to combating the opioid crisis and provide financial support for service improvements.
They have also created a video to voice their concerns, which you can find at this link.
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