September 30th – On the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we confront the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma on Indigenous Peoples directly resulting from colonialism and the Canadian residential schools system.
It’s estimated that Indigenous people are six times more likely to be hospitalized or die from drug-related causes. Generations of violence, discrimination and subjugation have created deep rifts that prevent equitable access to quality health care. Today, people who use drugs in these communities are without the necessary supports, and experience higher rates of underlying mental health challenges.
As part of the Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC) national network of health supports for substance use disorder and addiction, we share a commitment to being an ally in truth and reconciliation. You can read more about how we’re putting that commitment into action here.
Today, and every day, we stand with Indigenous communities. Every child matters.