WHITEHORSE, YT – The Kwanlin Dün First Nation has declared a substance use health emergency, effective immediately.
The declaration will be in effective for 90 days, during which time the First Nation will be rolling out new community supports and will be engaging in an education campaign to raise awareness about the substance use emergency; including advice on what KDFN citizens can do to protect themselves and support their fellow community members.
KDFN Chief Sean Smith reflected on the immense losses that the Nation has suffered as he spoke to media today.
“Our Citizens continue to suffer losses due to substance use. We have all been impacted. Each person lost is a brother, sister, auntie, uncle, mother, father, friend and loved one. KDFN is committed to supporting our community in a non-judgmental way. Together, Youth, Citizens, and Elders can foster a healthier and safer community” – KDFN Chief Sean Uyenets’echia Smith
Chief Smith says the Nation will be seeking to identify drug use hotspots within their community and will be supporting the Community Services Department to enforce an eviction policy for known drug traffickers.
New signage indicating a zero tolerance policy for drug trafficking will also be installed on KDFN lands.
Community outreach teams will be expanded as the Nation moves to improve access to available services, and immediate funding for land based healing programs has also been made available. Community engagement sessions have been planned for this fall that will be used to inform the KDFN substance use action plan.
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation is the latest Yukon First Nation to declare a substance use emergency, joining the Vuntut Gwitchin Government, Na-Cho Nyak Dun, and the Carcross/Tagish First Nations.
