The Homalco First Nation community south of Campbell River has declared a state of emergency in response to an escalating drug crisis.
Chief Darren Blaney says in a video statement that the community’s youth are suffering.
“We have decided to declare a state of emergency, as we have lost four youth within the last six months,” he says. “We don’t want to see any more of our youth dying from drugs and alcohol.”
The nation has installed cameras to help identify drug traffickers, and is working with police, but the problems are continuing. Blaney hopes to get a trauma recovery centre built soon at the traditional Homalco village at Church House, to help address the root of the issue and help people get well.
The nation will be holding a community meeting about the crisis on Friday from 5 to 7 pm at the Homalco Hall, all Homalco members are invited to attend.
