B.C. First Nations Declare State of Emergency Over Opioid Crisis

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council calls for government support as drug-related deaths surge among Indigenous communities.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council represents 14 First Nations on Vancouver Island and is facing a severe opioid and mental health crisis.
Indigenous people in B.C. are dying from drug poisonings at more than six times the rate of other residents, according to the First Nations Health Authority.
The council is urging provincial and federal governments to fund detox and rehabilitation centers and support overwhelmed community workers.
Chief Councillor Ken Watts emphasizes the need for political candidates to address this crisis in the upcoming provincial election.
B.C. Premier David Eby has pledged additional support for Indigenous communities, acknowledging the significant impact of the drug crisis.