Drug and alcohol deaths spark North Island First Nations state of emergency – Chemainus Valley Courier
March 1, 2024
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations near Port Hardy concerned after 11 deaths in less than 2 months
Eleven deaths in just two months have led to a declaration of a state of Emergency for a North Island First nation.
The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations (GNN) near Port Hardy made the situation public via a since-removed social media post, citing an unprecedented number of deaths, mostly linked to drug and alcohol use.
According to the release, the deaths have rocked the 1,100-member community, with the latest person claimed being just 16-years-old.
