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Canoe Walk to help bring awareness about addictions
In 2025, from January to the end of June, 143 Indigenous people lost their lives to toxic unregulated drugs in B.C.
The rate of Indigenous people dying from toxic unregulated drugs is 5.4 times higher than the rest of the population of British Columbia.
In response to these challenges, Yaqan Nukiy community, or Lower Kootenay Band (LKB), recognized National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov. 17 to the 21) with an annual Canoe Walk.
On Nov. 23, 2012, LKB and Creston community members, along with Creston Valley Hospital staff, walked a sturgeon-nosed canoe in inclement weather conditions from the LKB to the hospital’s front doors.
The canoe, constructed by Ktunaxa Nation youth, was presented to the hospital to signify an ongoing partnership in health. The walk was completed during National Addictions Awareness Week to signify the ongoing challenges that individuals, families, and caregivers face when touched by addiction.
The fifth annual Canoe Walk will be held on November 21, along the same route as 2012.
Participants will walk side by side from the Creston Valley Hospital (pictured) down Highway 21, ending at the Lower Kootenay Band gym.
Gwen Grieves (former LKB staff) said the event aims to raise awareness about the ongoing toxic drug crisis, as well as hold health partners accountable for delivering culturally safe care, free from discrimination.
“The reality for the toxic drug crisis in B.C. is that we’re losing six people per day,” said Grieves. “That is six of our mothers’ fathers, aunties, uncles, children, and loved ones that we are losing. She added that in 2023, 28 of those lost from toxic drug poisonings were under the age of eighteen, and toxic drug poisoning continues to be the leading cause of death for ages 19 to 35.
“With continued partnerships between the Lower Kootenay Band and the Creston Valley Hospital, we have made steps forward. Of note, a new Indigenous Patient Navigator started in 2024 intending to be a supportive person for those accessing not only the hospital but all health clinics within the Creston Valley. We hold this walk annually as a reminder that this important work needs ongoing collaboration and accountability.”
e-KNOW file photo
Submitted
