First Nations people represent 3.3 per cent of B.C.'s population, but 16.4 per cent of those who died from overdoses last year were Indigenous.
His advice comes less than a year after his daughter died of an overdose and as new data shows the disproportionate impact of toxic drugs on Indigenous people in British Columbia."And when they're ready, and only when they decide that they're prepared to move on their healing journey, like my daughter did three years ago, only then will they get the help that they need."
Dr. Nel Wieman, acting chief medical officer of British Columbia's First Nations Health Authority, said First Nations people are disproportionately dying from illicit drugs in B.C. and the gap continues to widen. "The only way that we can immunize our young girls and women is by building up their self-esteem, by helping them to become proud of who they are and where they come from," he said."The grief and loss is immeasurable.
"When we talk at a provincial level about what types of interventions would be most helpful, we're really forgetting the realities of First Nations people who live in very rural, remote, isolated communities. What will programs look like?" she asked.He said his daughter and other Indigenous women don't feel safe in many of the programs funded by the B.C. government.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First Nations in B.C. died at a much higher rate from toxic drugs, health authorityFirst Nations people represent 3.3 per cent of B.C.’s population, but 16.4 per cent of those who died from overdoses last year were Indigenous
Read more »
First Nations ‘particularly and disproportionately’ overrepresented among B.C. toxic drug deaths - Terrace StandardFirst Nations ‘particularly and disproportionately’ overrepresented among B.C. toxic drug deaths
Read more »
First Nations mother whose baby was taken away protests at Legislature\u0022Was every measure taken to keep this mother and her infant together?\u0022 — B.C. Green party leader Sonia Furstenau.
Read more »
First Nations group calls for changes to Cannabis Act - Terrace StandardFirst Nations Leadership Council says rights, needs ignored by colonial government during legalization
Read more »
Ottawa signs agreement with Nova Scotia First Nations chiefs on health services | Globalnews.caThe agreement with the 13 chiefs continues a process that will ultimately transform the design and delivery of health services for Mi'kmaq throughout the province.
Read more »
B.C. expands green expansion initiative to Prince Rupert port - Terrace StandardThe green initiative was first launched at Vancouver International Airport in December 2022
Read more »