By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Oregon’s overwhelming vote to decriminalize some drugs for personal use on Tuesday has experts and advocates in British Columbia wondering what it will take for the province to move in the same direction.
Continue reading Oregon votes to decriminalize some drugsNorth Island Gazette, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
There has been a renaissance of Indigenous legal systems across Canada over the last several years, showing up in the form of small community initiatives, new classes and degrees at law schools. In B.C., there is an alternative judicial process called Indigenous Court.
Continue reading Port Hardy’s Indigenous courtBy Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Long Beach, BC – Parks Canada is making progress building ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee), the multi-use pathway that extends between Tofino and Ucluelet.
Continue reading The ʔapsčiik t̓ašii pathway between Tofino and Uclueletthe Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
What do you want to see change to stop anti-Indigenous racism? This is a question that Rain Daniels has been asked since the early nineties. Her answer remains the same. “These issues need to be taken seriously,” she says.
Continue reading Interrupting anti-Indigenous racismthe Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
COVID19 has people at home, with less frequent opportunities for connection. The isolation increases when it is compounded with the stigma of substance use or mental health issues.
“In many cases, underlying chronic, severe trauma is related to substance use and during these dual public health emergencies it becomes even more important to increase mental health and wellness supports for BC First Nations people,” explains Dr. Nel Wieman, First Nations Health Authority’s (FNHA) acting deputy chief medical officer.
In B.C., 261 people have died of COVID-19. As of Sept. 30, 2020, 1202 people have died from overdose in the province this year.
In response to this combined crisis, the FNHA accelerated their plans to launch a virtual substance use and psychiatry service.
Continue reading Virtual mental health service improves access
