Island First Nations declare state of emergency over opioid crisis, mental health – Times Colonist
Sep 20 2024
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council says funding is needed to support overwhelmed workers in their communities and to build detox and rehabilitation centres, after a string of deaths.
Framed photographs of young people who have died as a result of opioids and mental-health struggles were lined up on a long table in Port Alberni on Thursday, as First Nations leaders on the west coast of Vancouver Island pleaded for help.
Some of the family pictures showed young people in their graduation gowns.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, representing 14 First Nations on the west side of the Island, has declared a state of emergency after several deaths in their communities, said president Cloy-e-iis Judith Sayers.
