A message from Dr. Nel Wieman, FNHA Chief Medical Officer; and Celeta Cook, FNHA Executive Director, Public Health Response & Primary Care
International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to honour and remember the people we have lost due to the toxic drug poisoning crisis. On this day, we hold space for the families, friends, and communities who carry the grief of losing loved ones, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting wholistic wellness, healing, and hope.
FNHA recognizes that First Nations people are disproportionally impacted by the toxic drug poisoning crisis as a consequence of historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and systemic inequalities. We also recognize that substance use is a health issue, not a moral issue, and that stigma continues to create barriers to care. This is why First Nations-centred harm reduction is so important. Grounded in culture, community, and compassion, it helps people who use substances stay safe, connected, and supported – without shame or blame. Working in partnership with First Nations communities, FNHA is committed to supporting community-led harm-reduction approaches and creating culturally safe, stigma-free spaces where people can access the supports they need.
FNHA’s Toxic Drug Poisoning Response Manager for the Vancouver Coastal Region is Mackenzie Leslie from the Mohawk Nation. She reflects on the FNHA’s perspective regarding community-driven approaches to healing:
“Some of the most important pieces of promoting harm reduction in First Nations communities are community leadership, cultural connection, and recognition of the inherent wisdom that already exists within communities. Harm reduction is most meaningful when it is community-driven and reflects the strengths, values, and priorities of the people it is intended to support.
“Connecting harm reduction to culture is especially important. Culture, language, ceremony, land, and community relationships are protective factors that support wellness and belonging. When harm reduction is grounded in culture, it becomes more than a response to substance use. It becomes a pathway to connection, healing, and hope.”
On this International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the people who have died as well as those grieving their deaths. We will continue to work with First Nations communities in BC as they lead important work that supports people who use substances and their families. Although there is still much work to be done, together we can create a strong pathway toward hope, resilience, and healing for future generations.
International Overdose Awareness Day postcard
To help promote awareness around the toxic drug poisoning crisis, FNHA mailed purple ribbon pins attached to harm-reduction-themed postcards to First Nations communities and to organizations who connect with First Nations people across BC. You can show your support for preventing toxic drug poisonings by wearing this pin.
If you are interested in ordering pins, please email communications@fnha.ca with the subject line “IOAD Pins & Postcards,” and include:
- Your name and First Nations community or organization
- Quantity desired (50–100)
- Your mailing address for Canada Post
- Your phone number (in case we need to call you about your shipment)
Naloxone training
Toxic drug poisoning can happen to anyone. Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid poisoning. Carrying naloxone and knowing how to administer it can help save lives.
FNHA offers low-barrier naloxone training through the Not Just Naloxone program. Contact njn@fnha.ca to learn more about training that is happening throughout the year.
Indigenizing harm reduction
FNHA and Simon Fraser University are co-developing a provincial, First Nations-led Indigenous harm-reduction framework in response to the overdose crisis. This work centres on gathering First Nations knowledge systems, lived and living experience, and community‑led teachings as essential approaches to a more effective, culturally grounded response. Learn more here.
To read the Phase 1: Summary of Findings, go to this link:
Indigenizing Harm Reduction in Response to the Overdose Crisis Summary of Findings
