Locals reflect on overdose crisis and loss through Friday healing session

Interior Health and the First Nations Health Authority helped people heal through prayer, advice — or even as simple as lending an ear to their situation.

A key part of the event was to reduce the stigma surrounding drug use.

“To reduce the stigma around substance use that is out there for individuals and to also just help community members who have been affected by the death of a loved one due to an overdose and help them heal and to partake in the different activities and events and the ceremony today to help with that healing,” says Danielle Kreutzer with Interior Health Aboriginal Mental Wellness Team.

The day also included teaching participants more about naloxone and healing the soul through holistic activities.

During the ceremony, people were reminded that losing a loved one to an overdose can have a massive effect on those they love.

“In my community alone, we had three ODs in a year-and-a-half. I said, ‘Wow. I didn’t even know they were doing those hard drugs.’ Then all of a sudden your eyes become open and realize you didn’t even expect that,” Johnson added.

Amber Frost with the First Nations Health Authority adds, “When we think of if one person lost their life, the ripple effect it has through the nations. There are a lot of people holding the hurt. We’re really fighting for it to essentially stop.”

The message of the day was to allow people to say their piece and remind them they are not alone, no matter the circumstances.

“Only in the presence of compassion can we allow people to see the truth. When we see that, we can love them for who they are,” Johnson says.

by Connor Gunn

Locals reflect on overdose crisis and loss through Friday healing session

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