Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, Squamish Nation shares how culture, community and connection is central to its response to the toxic drug crisis.
In Squamish Nation, every loss to the toxic drug crisis is felt deeply across families, communities and generations.
When the Nation declared its second local state of emergency in response to the crisis in November 2025, it reflected on the ongoing impact on community members across the North Shore and Squamish Valley.
“It’s very devastating, especially in such a small-knit community where everyone knows each other and everyone is related,” says Juhi Tayal, Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Lead with Squamish Nation. “The impacts are very widespread from even one loss in a community.”
Like many communities across BC, Squamish Nation continues to experience the profound impacts of a toxic drug supply that has touched families, friends and entire communities. In response, the Nation has strengthened its harm reduction approach rooted in compassion, culture and connection.
“We always say that connection is the opposite of addiction,” says Tayal. “Our peer team really exemplifies that.”
At the center of the work is a peer support team that helps community members build relationships and connect with services. Peer workers provide outreach, distribute safer-use supplies and offer a trusted presence when someone needs it most. Just as importantly, they help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
“Peer support teams are the frontline of providing that connection and that community when perhaps no one else will,” says Tayal. “Just that human connection can keep someone safer.”
Those everyday interactions are a key part of the Nation’s harm reduction efforts. By creating welcoming, non-judgmental spaces, peer workers help people feel seen, respected and connected, particularly those who may have experienced stigma when accessing healthcare or other services.
The Nation has also expanded access to supports through community care cupboards stocked with naloxone and safer-use supplies, monthly naloxone training sessions, drug-checking services, and a mobile outreach initiative that brings services directly to community members.
While harm reduction is often associated with overdose prevention and response, Squamish Nation’s approach also emphasizes the role of culture in supporting wellness and recovery.
“We always say culture is healing,” says Tayal. “It’s about what makes you feel closer to yourself, closer to your community.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout the Nation’s harm reduction work. Alongside safer-use supplies, the mobile outreach unit offers traditional medicines, teas and salves, while a cultural worker provides supports and ceremonial brushing off in a low-barrier setting. Peer workers also facilitate Warrior Circle, a men’s talking circle that creates opportunities for connection through conversation and shared meals.
For Tayal, these cultural and community-based supports are an essential part of helping people feel connected and cared for.
“Culture, connection, and community care oftentimes go much further than what we see as tangible harm reduction”, she says.
That commitment is also at the heart of Squamish Nation’s annual International Overdose Awareness Day gathering, which creates space each year for remembrance, healing, and community connection.
Last year’s event at Capilano Field brought together about 50 community members for an intimate afternoon of support and reflection.
“It was really beautiful,” Tayal recalls. “I think I cried through the whole thing.”
A Squamish Nation peer worker and artist created a banner featuring Squamish art motifs, inviting community members to leave messages, artwork, and tributes to loved ones impacted by the toxic drug crisis. The completed banner will become part of a permanent installation near the Nation’s health building, alongside a bench created through the Purple Chair Campaign.
This year’s gathering, taking place on Aug. 28, will continue that work of remembrance and connection. Community members will gather for a shared meal, cultural and ceremonial supports, guest speakers, naloxone training and the creation of a new community banner. The event will also feature a screening of Crazywater – a film that highlights Indigenous resilience and healing in the face of addiction.
Communities interested in hosting their own events for International Overdose Awareness Day can apply for grants from FNHA to support community-led activities that honour loved ones, reduce stigma, raise awareness, and promote healing through culture, connection, and support. The 2026 grant cycle is now closed but will reopen in 2027. Learn more here.
