Confederation of Nations Convention No. 6 declares state of emergency over opioid crisis
EDMONTON – Treaty 6 First Nations in Western Canada have declared a state of emergency over rising opioid deaths.
The Confederation of Treaty No. 6 Nations is calling on all levels of government for immediate support and funding to address the crisis.
Grand Chief Leonard Standingontheroad says the confederation is asking the federal government to step in and provide more “effective, flexible and long-term support.”
The confederation says in a statement that the treaty’s medicine chest clause dictates that the federal government is obligated to provide ongoing health care.
It says it expects all levels of government to abide by and respect their treaty obligations.
The confederation is also calling for meaningful consultation and collaboration and seeking funding commitments for culturally appropriate health care services, including mental health and addiction treatment and harm reduction programs.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 10, 2023.
