Press Release
December 18th, 2023
(Toronto, Ontario — December 18, 2023) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement to address the impact of the opioid drug crisis, and other factors contributing to First Nations children experiencing family loss:
During this holiday season, Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare extends a special message to the children of First Nations communities who have felt the loss of their parents, caregivers, or loved ones — to let them know that they are not forgotten and hold a place in our thoughts and our hearts.
“The impact of addiction and overdose continues to have devastating consequences on the well-being and future of our communities, particularly our youth, who are experiencing loss at accelerating rates,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “Factors relating to the loss of our community members are not limited to opioid related deaths, however this is a major factor and has only increased since the pandemic. We have also seen children losing loved ones to ongoing issues of violence and COVID related illnesses, however the opioid crisis has become a pandemic in itself.”
Data from a report prepared by the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network states that in the first year of the pandemic, there was a 132 per cent increase in deaths related to opioid poisoning among Indigenous people. Of those, 87 per cent were fentanyl related.
The report also emphasizes the importance of First Nations communities having access to harm reduction services, including naloxone and addictions treatment.
“It is heartbreaking to witness how this is affecting our children, leaving so many without the guidance, support, and love of their parents and family members, especially during the holiday season, when no child should feel alone. The emotional trauma experienced by these young lives is immeasurable, and we must acknowledge the urgency of addressing this crisis with compassion and support for those affected in our community.”
“I call upon all levels of government to work with First Nations leadership to implement targeted initiatives that address the factors leading to addiction and provide tailored support for children being directly impacted by loss surrounding the opioid crisis. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure our children receive the care and resources necessary for their healing. By guiding our efforts with compassion and a commitment to the well-being of our children, we can build a future where every child can thrive”
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare
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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:
Christopher Hoyos
Director of Policy and Communications
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: (416) 579 4998
Email: Chris.Hoyos@coo.org
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