Nation Chiefs and Council, Carrier Sekani Family Services, along with provincial leadership held a meeting earlier today to discuss the ongoing toxic drug crisis.
The event, which was held at the Coast Inn of the North in Prince George, revolved around coordinated approaches to the crisis, while going over the impact its had on Indigenous populations.
Saik’uz First Nation Chief Priscilla Mueller said one of the big takeaways from the meeting was better supporting human connection for those with addictions.
“Every one of them is a human being, and I think a big part of what’s missing in some of their lives is the connection.”
“It didn’t start out like this when they were younger. Something caused them to end up on the streets, or end up addicted to alcohol or drugs.”
Mueller added everyone is working towards a solution, however, everyone needs to be on the same page to learn from each other, support one another, and identify any gaps that need to be filled.
She said some areas that still need to be addressed are youth care and housing.
“Not only housing in our cities, but housing in our communities, because you can send somebody to treatment, but if there’s no aftercare or supports when they come out, then they’re going to end up right back to the lifestyle that they left.”
A treatment centre is being built south of Vanderhoof, at the Tachick Lake Healing Centre, but without the province, Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority, they won’t be able to provide the service that’s needed.
Mueller hopes the work will continue to address the issues, but need support from other organizations and the province to carry it out.
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