Today – April 14, 2021 – marks five years since the toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency in BC. A tragic number of cherished and worthy friends, family members and loved ones have lost their lives to toxic drugs. Today is a day to remember that love and connection are healing; that culture is healing. So, today we share a prayer from Elder Wendy Ritchie of Skowkale First Nation in Fraser Salish region.
Play some music, sit or lie down, and feel the pure clean air.
Take a deep breath, exhale, close your eyes and give thanks for another day.
Know that you are a beautiful person, feel the kindness.
Know you are safe, feel the security.
Know you are important, feel the love.
Know you are a survivor, accept the challenge.
If we follow our ancestors, we will survive.
Th’et-simiya
Wendy Ritchie
Skowkale First Nation
Learn more about harm reduction at www.fnha.ca/harmreduction. Learn more about the toxic drug crisis here.