Calgary, Alberta – First Nations communities in Alberta are grappling with a devastating opioid crisis, with newly published data revealing that Indigenous people are dying at over eight times the rate of the rest of the population. The numbers underscore the tragic reality that Indigenous leaders have been warning about for years.
Jody Plaineagle, a member of the Piikani Nation in southern Alberta, described the profound impact of the opioid crisis on her community, where the loss of one person is often followed by another death. The emotional toll is overwhelming, with individuals forced to navigate layers of grief and loss while trying to support one another.
The recently published report sheds light on the surge in opioid-related deaths among First Nations people, with a significant number of unintentional poisonings. The data, though slightly outdated, highlights the disproportionate impact of the crisis on Indigenous communities in the province.
As Indigenous communities continue to grapple with the crisis, organizations like the Blood Tribe and the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations have declared states of emergency to address the devastating effects of opioids. The Piikani Nation also declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to combat the crisis.
Families in hard-hit areas like Lethbridge and the South Zone of Alberta are facing unimaginable loss, with individuals like Amber Jensen witnessing the devastating impact firsthand. The grief and trauma experienced by Indigenous communities underscore the unique challenges they face, rooted in systemic issues like poverty and intergenerational trauma.
The crisis has taken a particularly heavy toll on young Indigenous women, with high mortality rates among those under 25. Children are being left behind as parents struggle with addiction or succumb to overdoses, leading to a loss of cultural identity and heritage. Plaineagle highlights the long-term consequences of the crisis, emphasizing the far-reaching impacts that will be felt for generations to come.
As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage Indigenous communities in Alberta, the need for comprehensive support and resources has never been more critical. The harrowing stories shared by community members like Plaineagle underscore the urgent need for action to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent further loss of life.