First Nations people in Ontario disproportionately affected by opioid crisis, new report shows

Press Release

(Toronto, Ont.–Oct. 6, 2025) Opioids are killing and harming First Nations people in Ontario at an alarming rate much higher than non-First Nations people in the province, according to a new report released today.

The rate of opioid-related deaths for First Nations people in the province tripled between 2019 and 2022, according to the report co-authored by researchers at the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network. This is the fourth report co-authored by the two organizations.

In 2022, First Nations people were dying at a rate nine times higher than for non-First Nations—12.8 deaths per 10,000 people compared to 1.4 per 10,000.

All told, 389 First Nations people died of an overdose in 2021 and 2022. Between 2013 and 2023, opioid use was higher among First Nations, particularly among those living outside their communities, compared to their non-First Nations, the research shows.

“This new research sheds a light onto one of the most pressing issues of our time. Far too many people—both First Nations and non-First Nations—are tragically losing their lives to opioids,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict. “The opioid and toxic drug supply crisis has devastated many communities across this region. Nearly everyone has been affected by this in some way. We can and must do better to honour those we’ve lost and those they’ve left behind.”

Hospital visits due to opioid-related toxicity are also higher among First Nations people, the report shows. In 2023, First Nations people were 10 times more likely to visit a hospital for opioid-related toxicity. For First Nations living outside of their communities, the rates are even more dire, with those living outside of community twice as likely as those living within community to visit a hospital for opioid-related toxicity.

And while First Nations continue to be disproportionately impacted by the overdose epidemic, opioid prescriptions for pain management are declining.

While these statistics illustrate a troubling picture, the research does give some cause for hope. Since the last report looking at how the overdose crisis has impacted First Nations in Ontario, published in 2023, hospitalization rates have decreased and death rates have stabilized.

“We need more resources, not fewer, to protect our people, safeguard our future, and provide the support essential for healing. As harm reduction sites and services are being closed across Ontario, we are witnessing the erosion of crucial lifelines and support services for our people and Nations,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “It is undeniable that deaths and harms are escalating at an alarming rate and our people are bearing the brunt of this crisis.”

Researchers worked under the guidance of a dedicated First Nations steering committee and utilized data from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. Their findings make clear the urgent need for access to opioid treatment and harm reduction services, which are an essential healing path for some First Nations people pained by systemic racism and intergenerational trauma.

“The decades-long war on drugs has not worked, especially for First Nations people who are already overrepresented in the criminal justice system,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We need cultural and spiritual supports to deal with mental health and substance use—not more punishments.”

Studies have shown culturally based healing programs are an important part of the healing journey.

Provincial and federal governments must collaborate with First Nations to create on a comprehensive strategy that shifts focus from punitive measures towards culturally sensitive and spiritually informed supports to address mental health and substance use challenges.

To avert further tragedies, swift action is essential in ensuring that treatment and harm reduction services are accessible and adequately funded for all First Nations.

Nearly 51,000 Canadians have died of an apparent opioid overdose between 2016 and September 2024—roughly 16 every single day—according to Health Canada statistics.

Chiefs of Ontario will work to compile data on publicly funded treatment programs in Ontario to determine whether they are adequately serving First Nations, and on the number of First Nations that have declared a state of emergency because of the opioid crisis.

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The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Declan Keogh
Strategic Advocacy Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: (514) 591-5375
Email: declan.keogh@coo.org

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