Stats show drug crisis deadlier for First Nations

Photo by Holly Stocking Health offi cials have stressed the importance of overdose prevention sites to lesson the ongoing wave of fatalities, such as the location on Port Alberni’s Third Avenue.

Illicit drug crisis deadlier for First Nations, stats show

‘Our way out of this crisis is by working together,’ says FNHA offi cial on high overdose fatalities, citing the risk of pandemic isolation for those who use street drugs

By Mike Youds Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Indigenous people are dying from increasingly toxic illicit drugs at fi ve times the rate of non-Indigenous people, a growing disparity that health offi cials blame on pandemic isolation, poor access to services and systemic racism. B.C. was beginning to make progress against the overdose crisis after declaring a provincial health emergency in 2016. That was before COVID-19 struck. “Things have changed and not for the better,” said Dr. Nel Wieman of First Nations Health Authority in an online news conference May 27. “These dual crises have had signifi cant impact on toxic drug overdoses and deaths overall.” There were 1,716 overdose deaths in B.C. in 2020, a 74 percent increase over 2019. The deaths average out to 4.7 per day, two more than before the pandemic struck. While Indigenous people represent only 3.3 percent of the overall population, they account for about 15 percent of overdose deaths in the province. Wieman said 254 Indigenous people died from toxic-drug overdoses last year, roughly a 120 percent increase over 2019. “The rate at which First Nation people died has also increased,” Wieman said. “The gap is widening, and this is the widest gap we’ve seen since 2016.” COVID forced people into isolation, leading to more addicts to use drugs alone, Wieman said. At the same time, it grew diffi cult if not impossible to access services during the pandemic shutdown. Public health measures intended to keep people safe had unintended consequences. “We had been making some progress,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health offi cer. “It’s shocking and horrifying to fi nd that the conditions we put in place to manage the pandemic had exacerbated the overdose problem. We’ve also been seeing increased deaths among people isolated in their homes.” “It is a crisis within a crisis and at times it feels overwhelming,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe. Toxicity of the drug supply has increased during the pandemic due to closure of the Canada-U.S. border, disrupting the usual fl ow of illicit drugs. Henry said the situation makes it more urgent than ever to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs. “We need to create a safe drug supply and make sure we have alternatives for people as the toxicity of the drug supply skyrockets,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry. In March, the provincial government established a safe supply program that enables doctors and nurses to prescribe pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs. The province is seeking federal government approval to become the fi rst Canadian jurisdiction to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. minister of mental health and addictions, has told Ottawa that the need for change is more urgent than ever due to the pandemic. “This overwhelming loss of life is felt deeply in every community and we mourn with all the families, relatives, friends and caregivers that carry this loss,” Malcolmson said. “The collision of the pandemic, the poisoned drug supply and Indigenous-specifi c racism is at the root of the crisis we see today.” “The messaging for the pandemic is that we’re all in this together, but this is not the case for the toxic drug crisis,” Wieman said. “We continue to lose more people in B.C. to the toxic drug crisis than to COVID-19, yet the issue is not receiving the attention it deserves. We need to change the narrative and work together to address the existing stigmas surrounding toxic drug use.” First Nations have insuffi cient access to culturally safe health care as well as to addiction services, she said. On top of this, they experience intergenerational trauma, a legacy of residential schools. While statistics don’t convey the full human impact of the crisis, the 2020 numbers point to disturbing trends. First Nations women, for example, died at 9.9 times the rate of other female B.C. residents. Men are most at risk, leading Island Health to launch an awareness campaign recently, encouraging men to break their silence about drug use. Last year, 263 people died on the Island from overdose. Of that number, 225 were men, and 126 of them were in a private residence when they overdosed. Overall in B.C., half the men who have died from toxic drugs were employed. Of those, 55 percent worked in trades or transport. “There’s no getting around it, 2020 was a devastating year,” Wieman said. “We need to build hope that we can turn things around and prevent more deaths.” In response, FNHA launched an online substance use and psychiatry service, part of an initiative to create a range of accessible treatment and healing alternatives for people who use substances. The health authority has also supported expanded access to prescription alternatives and opioid agonist therapy. Education in harm reduction was expanded and online training sessions were added. Lapointe said she is encouraged by agencies working in close collaboration, the passion of fi rst responders and leadership in First Nations communities supporting clinicians in pursuing safer supply alternatives. “I’m encouraged by people speaking out and demanding diff erent approaches,” she added. “The people in the communities are the fi rst line in this crisis … so we are working very hard to support those people as well,” said Dr. Shannon McDonald of FNHA. “We build hope by recognizing, just as with the COVID-19 pandemic, our way out of this crisis is by working together,” Wieman said. The scourge has not let up in the last six months. There were 158 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in March 2021, according to the Coroners Service. This was a 41 percent increase over March 2020 and is tied with March 2018 for the largest number ever recorded in that month. The Kuu-us Crisis Line is available for support at 1-800-588-8717. Other resources available: • Call the National Overdose Response Service before you use drugs to connect with people who want to help you stay safe. 1-888-688-NORS (6677). NORS is an overdose prevention hotline providing confi dential, non-judgmental support. • Download the LifeguardApp on your phone www.lifeguarddh.com • Learn about safer use. Call B.C.’s Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service 1-800-663-1441 or visit IslandHealth.ca/stopoverdose.

Photo by Karly Blats Port Alberni’s King George Apartments on 5th Ave. were recently purchased by the Canadian Mental Health Association Port Alberni and the Province of B.C., which will secure the aff ordable rental rates for current tenants. 41 aff ordable rental units for Port Alberni tenants

Province and CMHA purchase the King George Apartments on 5th Ave., saving tenants from rent increases

Photo submitted by Uchucklesaht Tribe Government A crew works to build six new homes at the Uchucklesaht village of Ethlateese.

Huu-ay-aht, Uchucklesaht get funding for housing

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Port Alberni, BC - Tenants of Port Alberni’s King George Apartments are both happy and relieved that their aff ordable rental rates will be unchanged after the purchase of the building by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Port Alberni and the Province of BC. Located at 3131 5th Ave., the building provides 41 one and two-bedroom units that cost considerably less than average market rents in the area, ranging from approximately $500 to $633 per month. The Canadian Mental Health Association Port Alberni had leased the apartment building for the past nine years. The building was recently listed on the market for sale. However, CMHA wanted to fi nd a way to secure this aff ordable housing for its clients and ensure rental rates were not impacted by a private investor or developer’s purchase. That’s why the province and CMHA Port Alberni partnered to acquire the building. The Canadian Mental Health Association received a grant of $3 million and low-interest fi nancing of $1.86 million from the province to purchase the building, which provides rental homes for people with moderate and low incomes. “Considering the current, critical housing shortage in Port Alberni, we are relieved to be able to secure these below-market rentals for the future,” said Katrina Kiefer, executive director of CMHA Port Alberni. “This purchase will provide stable, safe, aff ordable homes indefi nitely, allowing CMHA to continue to provide services to our population focused around community wellness. We are grateful for the past generosity of the building owner and the provincial government, through BC Housing, for its forward-thinking actions that made this housing possible.” Kiefer said nothing will change for the tenants in the foreseeable future. “Aff ordability is a huge issue for most renters as there are so few lower rent homes in this area. Seeking another below-market rent home and subsequently moving, would have been a daunting prospect for everyone,” Kiefer said. “This purchase should alleviate any anxiety about potentially having to do so.” An independent appraisal of the site was completed on March 25, 2021. The appraisal took into account the existing market value of the property and valued the building and land at $5.4 million. CMHA Port Alberni paid $4.8 million for the property, plus approximately $64,600 in related fees. Kiefer said she was able to personally go to each unit in the building to explain that tenants were secure and reassure them that no changes would be made. “Every tenant that I spoke to was relieved and happy that CMHA was to remain their landlord with the current circumstances and rents unchanged,” Kiefer said. With the aff ordable housing building for sale, there was a real chance that whoever purchased it would redevelop the site or raise rents signifi cantly, said David Eby, attorney general and minister responsible for housing, in a press release. “By purchasing this building, we are making sure that people in the community continue to have rental homes they can aff ord,” Eby said. In addition to the 41 aff ordable homes secured in this purchase, there are another 172 new homes completed or underway in Port Alberni. “The Low Energy Housing Group are building aff ordable homes on Maitland,” Kiefer said. “I’m sure that if there are other future projects in the works, the provincial government will make their announcements.”

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By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Construction of 19 aff ordable housing units are being built within the Huuay-aht First Nations’ and Uchucklesaht Tribe’s communities. Around $6.92 million will be invested towards the units through the Projects Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). “Every Canadian deserves a safe and aff ordable place to call home,” read a release by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Canada’s authority on housing. “The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that aff ordable housing is key to Canada’s recovery for communities across the country, including those in British Columbia.” After every house in the village of Ethlateese was deemed unliveable, Uchucklesaht Tribe Chief Councillor Charlie Cootes said that the RHI came just in time. “With this funding, we will see eight new homes built and make it possible for eight families to move back home,” he said. “This is true reconciliation on the ground, making homes for people to be able to practice long forgotten cultural practices.” The additional 11 homes are being constructed within Huu-ay-aht’s traditional territory, building on the success of the nation’s 2020 housing project, said elected chief Robert J. Dennis Sr. “It brings our total new housing units up to 22,” he said in a release. “We have made a commitment to our people to create a safe, healthy place to live where they can connect with the land and their culture. Thanks to the timely contribution from CMHC, we are able to off er aff ordable housing to more of our citizens so they can move home and enjoy our wonderful homeland.” Through an application-based process which closed on Dec. 31, 2020, $500 million was available to provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments and non-profi t organizations as part of the RHI Projects Stream. The Canadian government invested an additional $1.5 billion towards funding for the RHI in 2021, of which at least 25 per cent will go towards women-focused housing projects. The program is set to help create over 9,200 aff ordable housing units across Canada, with almost 40 per cent of the units targeted towards Indigenous peoples. I am happy to see our government supporting the housing needs of the Huuayaht First Nation and Uchucklesaht Tribe communities,” said Randeep Sarai, member of parliament for Surrey Centre. “It means we as a province get one-step closer in making sure no First Nation youth, adult or elder is left without a place to call home.”

Port Alberni Friendship Centre Volunteers Needed

Port Alberni Port Authority is now hiring! • Seasonal Grounds Keeping Attendants • Seasonal Marina Attendants

Need work experience? The Port Alberni Friendship Centre is looking for interested applicants for various positions. Hours per week vary. Call 250-723-8281

Applications must include a cover letter, resume and three (3) references. Application deadline is 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 11th, 2021. Emailed to: bfi lipchuk@alberniport.ca Visit www.papa-appa.ca/opportunities/employmentopportunities/ for more details

Hesquiaht First Nation Job Postings Indigenous Mental Wellness Counsellor Elders Coordinator Cultural Support Worker

Location:

Hot Springs Cove

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to the Hesquiaht Tribal Administrator at the following email address: norma@hesquiaht.ca on or before 4pm PST on May 28, 2021.

Candidates of Hesquiaht ancestry are strongly encouraged to apply; please self-identify in your cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but please note that only candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

A family of three mountain lions are seen near homes in Tsaxana community, one runs away after two are shot

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Tsaxana, BC - Residents of the Mowachat/Muchalaht First Nation’s community of Tsaxana are urged to be cautious while outdoors after three cougars were seen lurking on the reserve near Gold River. Tsaxana resident Allie Amos said a mother and two babies were spotted in the community in late May, making a den between two homes, an area where her eight-year-old brother plays. “There’s a hill in between those two places and they embedded up there,” said Johnson. “My brother Darren actually plays up on that hill every day.” The babies were shot and killed by a resident and a conservation offi cer, but the mother ran away and wasn’t shot. Currently the First Nation is seeking permission from the BC Conservation Offi cer Service to track down the surviving mountain lion. “The mother is provoked and still running around the reserve, looking for her babies,” said Johnson, who saw a fullsized cougar in her driveway this week. “I think it was the mother. I came home from work and it was just laying in front of my grandpa’s truck. I got my grandma to honk at it and it wasn’t even phased.” According to a University of Victoria study, an estimated 600-800 cougars live on Vancouver Island, comprising as much as one fi fth of B.C.’s mountain lion population. This gives Vancouver Island the highest concentration of cougars in North America. Mowachaht/Muchalaht Tyee Ha’wilth Michael Maquinna said that cougars are

Wikimedia Commons photo

usually seen in Tsaxana each spring. “Usually the single ones will just come and go,” he said. “If they’re in pairs they’ll stick around longer.” Johnson believes the trio had been in Tsaxana for over four weeks. A few months ago a home in Gold River caught three cougars on camera, leading some to suspect the family relocated to the reserve. “I guess that they just moved up here,” she said. “We all thought that they moved on and that they just left Gold River, but I guess they’ve been hiding here for a while.” Johnson said the community was cougar territory before the First Nation relocated to the reserve in the 1990s. “When we chose to move up to this spot to make our reserve there were a lot of cougar dens that had to be broken down so that we could build our homes,” she said. “It’s not uncommon for cougars to be coming here as much as they do because this used to be their home.” “Certainly, we are in coexistence with the animals,” noted Maquinna. “Over the spring and summer the animals are out there, particularly cougars, so be mindful of them.” Although cougars are spread throughout Vancouver Island, the stealthy animals are seldom seen. While attacks on people are rare, WildSafe BC says small children are most at risk. “If you notice that a cougar is watching you, maintain eye contact with the cougar and speak to it in a loud fi rm voice,” advises the organization. “Reinforce the fact that you are a human and not an easy target.”

Major blasting complete on Tofi no highway

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Kennedy Lake, BC – The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced that the once weekly 10-hour daylight closures of the Kennedy Hill construction zone are over. In a provincial traffi c advisory issued May 27, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure introduced the new Highway 4 at Kennedy Hill spring closure schedule. Midday four-hour closures of the highway that connects Port Alberni to west coast communities will continue as rock blasting continues. “Blasting to remove a signifi cant rock bluff on the Kennedy Hill improvement project has been progressing well, and drivers are advised that midday closures will continue daily through June 2021,” the ministry stated. Throughout the month of May, the highway was closed for 10 hours every Wednesday for the blasting and removal of an extremely challenging portion of the fi nal signifi cant rock bluff . “The blasting was successful, and no further 10-hour closures are expected to be needed to complete the project,” they said. Blasting on site will continue into the summer with four-hour daytime closures on weekdays, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., continuing through June. The ministry states that they will provide more details regarding closure schedules for the summer when they are confi rmed. The $38.1 million Kennedy Hill construction project began in September 2018. The project will upgrade 1.5 kilometers of the Pacifi c Rim Highway along Kennedy Hill adjacent to Kennedy Lake. The notoriously dangerous section of road was narrow, steep, with blind corners that hugged a cliff along Kennedy Lake. Safety improvements are being made by widening the road, reducing the grade and realignments of the road to address sharp curves. Extensive rock blasting is required to make the upgrades For the most up-to-date information on road conditions, drivers are encouraged to check: www.DriveBC.ca When completed, the Highway 4 - Kennedy Hill Safety Improvement Project aims to create a safer and more reliable connection between Port Alberni and the west coast of Vancouver Island. The ministry thanks drivers and residents on both sides of the closure for their patience. Learn More: General proj ect information and traffi c schedules are available online: www.gov. bc.ca/highway4kennedyhill Visit the project page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eac.bc.ca. kennedy.hill/ Visit: www.drivebc.ca And follow @DriveBC and #BCHwy4 on Twitter. For 24-hour travel advisories updated daily, call toll-free: 1 855 451-7152