Tŝilhqot’in Nation Declares State of Local Emergency Due to Opioid Crisis

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has declared a state of local emergency in response to recent deaths in communities last week. This order was issued for all six Tŝilhqot’in communities and provides the Nation with the opportunity to access additional government support.

The toxic drug supply combined with the harms of historical and present-day colonialism are contributing to higher rates of death from toxic drugs amongst Indigenous peoples compared to other populations in the province. Treatment facilities lack the capacity to take on new patients. TNG calls on all ministries and agencies to work together to end this loss of lives.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.), Tribal Chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated:

“Drugs are a major problem in our communities. As Tŝilhqot’in leaders, we feel that our hands are tied. We need to act to not lose anymore lives. The RCMP know who the dealers are and need to deal with this. A State of Emergency is an opportunity to address this crisis.”