Honouring lives, strengthening healing: Ten years of the toxic drug public health emergency

Press Release

Apr 14, 2026

April 14 marked 10 years since the toxic drug public health emergency was declared in BC. On this solemn day, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) honours and remembers all those whose lives have been lost to toxic drug poisonings, and the families and communities who have been forever changed because of this crisis. Today, and every day, we hold our loved ones, family members, friends and community members in our hearts.

“Since 2016, the toxic drug public health emergency has changed the lives of many and continues to disproportionately affect First Nations communities across British Columbia,” said Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer, FNHA. “I must acknowledge the positive impact of First Nations-led harm reduction efforts. The data shows that lives are saved through connection and culture and when programs and services are community-led. The FNHA will continue to provide culturally safe harm reduction supports, as we walk hand in hand with First Nations people through this crisis.”

Since the emergency was declared in 2016, a disproportionate number First Nations people have died due to toxic substances. First Nations people continue to be disproportionately impacted due to the ongoing and intergenerational effects of colonialism. Yet across this crisis, it is First Nations communities who continue to lead with strength and resilience. Grounded in teachings passed down by our ancestors, we continue to care for one another, lift each other up and support our loved ones who use substances.

“Our ancestors left us our laws and culture to ensure the strength, resilience and well-being for future generations. As First Nations people, our laws and teachings are grounded in reciprocity, working together and holding one another up in times of need. When we stay rooted in our culture and connected across the generations, we continue to heal and reduce the ongoing harms of colonialism on our communities. — Lacey Jones (Snuneymuxw First Nation) Director for Toxic Drug Response, FNHA

FNHA recognizes that connection to culture and ancestral teachings is foundational to the health and wellness of First Nations people. These principles guide the harm reduction programs and services we offer in partnership with communities. FNHA’s All Paths Lead to Wellness model reflects this approach, meeting people where they are on their journey with substance use, supporting self-determination and honouring each person’s path to healing. When First Nations voices and leadership are centered, outcomes improve for all who seek support.

“FNHA places culture at the forefront in offering harm reduction services. By weaving culturally safe practices into our approach and working in partnership with First Nations communities, we foster relationships of trust and respect, ensuring that health interventions are not only effective but also deeply connected to cultural practices and protocols.” — Leah Brody, Fraser Salish Manager for Health Emergency Management

Cultural connection and clinical supports work together to keep our loved ones safe. When health care and harm reduction supports are grounded in identity, community and cultural teachings and paired with accessible, anti‑racist healthcare services, it builds trust, strengthens resilience, and creates meaningful pathways to healing. This also helps reduce stigma by ensuring people who use substances feel recognized, valued and included in their communities.

“Integrating harm reduction into community clinical services opens the door to broader wraparound supports—such as opioid agonist therapy, psychiatric care and primary care services like wound care. It lets people who use substances know that their care matters, and that they are active participants in shaping what their healing looks like. When offered alongside First Nations knowledge and cultural practices, accessible clinical pathways to harm reduction strengthen wellness, prevent deaths, and empower individuals and families to pursue healing on their own terms.” — Hattie Daumann, Provincial Professional Practice Lead, Substance Use OAT Access Programming, FNHA

Looking ahead, we carry with us both urgency and hope. The urgency reflects the continued need to do more to support First Nations people who use substances and their families. The hope comes from the strength within our communities, our knowledge systems, and our shared commitment to creating change.

“As we continue to navigate the ongoing toxic drug public health emergency, centering our teachings and laws in our harm reduction approach helps to reduce shame and stigma while building trust and connection. Through our culture we will continue the good work of healing, connecting and supporting our loved ones who use substances while they on their healing journey.”— Lacey Jones

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