A B.C. First Nation is calling for help to address an ongoing drug problem in their community.
On February 23rd, 2017, the Secwepemc Elders Council expressed their concern over the fentanyl crisis that has affected communities across the Secwepemc Nation, primarily in and around Kamloops.
The Council has since called a Nation State of Emergency and called upon Secwepemc leadership to take immediate action to address this growing epidemic.
On March 1st, 2017, the Chiefs of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council committed to creating a plan to address the prolific state of fentanyl use and overdoses.
“It is important that all members within our communities are given the resources needed to be adequately informed on the issue of fentanyl,” said Tribal Chief Kukpi7 Wayne Christian. “Prevention and awareness are critical for our members, their families, and the community to effectively combat this crisis.”
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Chiefs are calling on the First Nations Health Council, Interior Health Authority, RCMP and all other available resources to work together and fight the growing crisis.
Christian said immediate action has to be taken so people know the presence of fentanyl in street drugs, the symptoms and probability of overdoses and the treatment options available.
“Addictions do not discriminate and this fentanyl crisis is deadly as it takes live regardless of age and with only one time use,” he said. “Get educated on how to prevent this from killing your loved ones.”
