The Ehattesaht First Nation, based in Zeballos, says it has lost six young people to drug overdoses in the the past few months alone.
The chief and council of a Vancouver Island First Nation have declared a state of emergency due to the “unrelenting impact” of drugs and alcohol on their people, particularly youth.
The First Nation says that, like many Indigenous groups in Canada, it is suffering from “the intergenerational effects of residential schools and the oppression of the systems that the federal and provincial governments have created.” “Nearly a quarter of our population are addicted, on the street, under-housed or are children in care. Every day I sit with families heartbroken with worry and it’s unacceptable.”
The Ehattesaht say they have been trying to come up with a comprehensive plan to deal with drug and alcohol concerns but have not had in much success in dealing with “institutional barriers” to find programs.
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.
Vancouver Island First Nation to host all-Indigenous basketball tournament next monthThe Snuneymuxw First Nation is five weeks away from hosting the largest youth basketball tournament in the province, and one of the biggest in the country.
Read more »
B.C. First Nation declares emergency over drug and alcohol crisis - Terrace StandardEhattesaht First Nation on Vancouver Island says six young people have died
Read more »
North Island doctor restricted due to patient complaint: Island HealthIsland Health says a North Island doctor had his privileges restricted due to a patient complaint, not because of his public statements.
Read more »
North Island doctor restricted due to patient complaint: Island HealthIsland Health says a North Island doctor had his privileges restricted due to a patient complaint, not because of his public statements.
Read more »
B.C. First Nation declares emergency over drug and alcohol crisisA statement from the Ehattesaht First Nation says six young people have died from drug overdoses in the small village over the past few months
Read more »
B.C. First Nation declares emergency over drug and alcohol crisisZEBALLOS, B.C. — A First Nation on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island has declared a state of emergency over what its leadership describes as the…
Read more »