Dilico Anishinabek Family Care: Opioid Strategic Planning event a success!

THUNDER BAY, ON – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Dilico) is optimistic with the outcome of a 3 day Northwest Region Strategy Event which saw Youth, Elders, First Nation Leadership, Staff and Community Partners discussing local perspectives, sharing knowledge and collaborating to address opioid misuse and its impact across the Region. This event was cohosted by the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy with the goal to establish strategic directions that can be carried forward in established local networks and working groups.

An overwhelming message came from youth attending the session – youth want to be heard and be part of the dialogue. Youth expressed their confidence to be part of the solution. “As we go forward, we need to develop strategies with our youth, our warriors” says Darcia Borg, Executive Director

First Nation Leadership welcomed the opportunity to take part in discussions that looked at strengthening supports in their communities. Chief Collins of Fort William First Nation provided a keynote address sharing information on how his community has been impacted by opioid misuse, issues related to prescription of opioids and gaps in law enforcement. Chief Collins affirmed his support for addressing Opioid misuse and thanked participants for their collaboration efforts.

The conference discussed 5 key pillars; treatment, harm reduction, prevention, housing, and enforcement. Conversing through the different pillars of the strategy supports Dilico’s holistic approach to healing. A full report on the discussions and priorities will be produced and shared. The outcomes will provide information on the work that is needed for the coming years.

“The opioid crisis continues to heavily impact communities across the country. I wish to thank Dilico and their partners for taking a step in the right direction by bringing all of us together to look for solutions and ways to support those who are suffering with addiction issues. I have faith that this collaboration will give us the momentum that is needed to continue the work that needs to be done.” said Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nation.

“It was really important to Dilico that our Elders, Youth, First Nation Leaders and Community Partners were all involved in coming up with a strategy in moving forward.” said Darcia Borg, Dilico’s Executive Director.

“We needed to bring together as many pieces of the puzzle to formulate an effective strategy” says John Dixon, Dilico’s Director of Mental Health and Addictions.

Dilico is a First Nation governed organization with an integrated continuum of service which is comprised of the following services which are all made available in different capacities that include Health, Mental Health and Addictions, and Child Welfare. Dilico’s Mikinaak Customary Care Service Model, services are culturally based with First Nations communities, families and extended families involved in ensuring a child’s safety and well-being. At the core of the Mikinaak Service Model, it is the belief that it takes a “community” to raise a child.

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For further information, contact:

Blythe Haynen

Community Engagement Manager

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Phone: (807) 626-7950

Mobile: (807) 633-1316

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