(August 31, 2022 – Toronto, Ontario) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement acknowledging International Overdose Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of the ongoing opioid poisoning crisis and helping reduce stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs:

“Today is an opportunity to reduce stigma and raise awareness through open discussions on actions we can take to address and reduce the harms related to opioids,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “It is also an opportunity to foster hope and promote healing while standing alongside our peers, families, and communities impacted by opioid use and poisoning across the province.”

In 2021, the Chiefs of Ontario, in collaboration with the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, released two reports entitled “Opioid Use, Related Harms, and Access to Treatment among First Nations in Ontario” and “Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid-related poisoning among First Nations in Ontario”. These reports demonstrated the urgent need to address the opioid crisis affecting First Nations in Ontario.

“Over the years, the opioid crisis has surged within First Nations communities and has only been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective action and a cross-governmental approach is needed to support First Nations in Ontario, address the opioid crisis and unregulated opioid supply, and implement harm reduction measures and mental health and addiction programs and services immediately. This must be completed in a trauma-informed and strengths-based manner to effectively meet the individual needs of First Nations people, families, and communities.

Today, I am calling on the provincial and federal governments to commit to further investments to address the opioid crisis within First Nations communities and to help improve and accelerate access to treatment services, including land-based and culturally-appropriate treatment and support services. It is through this, we will strengthen our nations and promote healthy, safe, and prosperous communities.

I encourage all to attend one of the many International Overdose Awareness Day events happening across the province, and to remember those who lost their lives to opioid poisoning and those who have been affected by the opioid crisis. I would also like to acknowledge the many service providers, first responders, and community volunteers on the front lines who are providing life-saving measures, as well as those who are advocating for urgent measures to save lives and future generations.”

Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare

In Ontario, naloxone is accessible and available to both those at risk of overdosing and individuals who could help respond to an overdose. Be prepared by carrying naloxone to use if you suspect opioid poisoning. Naloxone kits are available at local pharmacies across the province without a prescription.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports 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 inquiries, please contact:

Genna Benson
Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org