The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) declared a state of emergency yesterday after a record number of deaths in the past few months have been linked to chronic drug and alcohol use.
The ATC represents the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and Fort McKay First Nation – all five First Nations have declared their own states of emergency, but ATC has made the call of a regional emergency. By doing so, the council is hoping to receive immediate and sustainable funding to help end this epidemic.
Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and ATC Board President, spoke in a press conference declaring the state of emergency on behalf of his people, describing his community as “in crisis.”
“Since January, we lost roughly over 60 members from our communities. We were supposed to do this press conference in June. Back then, we had over 30 [deaths]. Over the summer months, we’ve lost more. I myself lost a brother and two nephews within the last 3 months,” Adam said.
Chief Vern Janvier of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation also spoke at the conference. He raised some points on how strong his people have been throughout history, while also shining light on the magnitude of this epidemic.
“We will always survive, we will always live our way, and we have for many generations. But today, we’re facing a challenge that is very dangerous to our people’s survival right now,” Janvier said.
Adam reiterates that his people are “strong and resilient” and that plans are in place to get through this crisis.
“Our First Nations working with ATC have demonstrated our ability to work together, to implement strategies and services in the face of an urgent health crisis as we did during COVID-19, and as we did during the 2023 wildfires. We owe it to our communities to take action, to make them feel safe and strong,” Adam added.
If you are struggling with addictions and mental health, Alberta Health Service’s mental health helpline can be reached at 1-877-303-2642.
