In British Columbia, the toxic drug crisis continues to wreak havoc, claiming the lives of over 2,500 individuals in just a year, averaging nearly seven fatalities a day. This alarming statistic places unregulated drug toxicity as the leading cause of death among those aged 30 to 59, surpassing deaths from homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural diseases combined.

Indigenous communities are bearing a disproportionate burden of this crisis. Although they comprise only 5.9% of the population, Indigenous people account for a staggering 17.7% of overdose cases. Systemic racism has forged barriers to healthcare, exacerbating the challenges faced by these communities.

In a moving show of solidarity and awareness, the Lower Kootenay Band, known as Yaqan Nukiy, marked the National Addictions Awareness Week with their annual Canoe Walk. This meaningful event stems from a tradition initiated in 2012, when four Ktunaxa Nation youth built a traditional sturgeon-nosed canoe. That November, the canoe was ceremoniously carried from the Lower Kootenay Band office to the Creston Valley Hospital—a gesture symbolizing the enduring partnership between the community and healthcare providers.

"This walk is an act of truth and reconciliation," stated Nasukin Jason Louie, who emphasized the importance of remembering the canoe and its significance. "To forget about the canoe is to forget about truth and reconciliation."

On November 22, 2023, dozens of community members from the Lower Kootenay Band and Creston, along with hospital staff, retraced the original route of the canoe walk. The weather that day mirrored the conditions of 2012—with rain, snow, and cold temperatures—but spirits remained high. Louie reflected on the journey: "Though the walk seemed easier twelve years ago, my heart remains steadfast. Truth and reconciliation is a journey we must undertake together."

In 2024, progress continues to be made toward better healthcare for Indigenous populations. Interior Health has launched the Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) service, dedicated to providing culturally safe and inclusive care for Indigenous individuals and their families. This service is currently available at the Creston Mental Health and Substance Use Clinic, marking a positive step toward addressing the health disparities faced by Indigenous communities.

The Lower Kootenay Band's annual walk serves not only as a reminder of the ongoing addiction crisis but also as a call to action for unity, understanding, and comprehensive support for those affected. As we reflect on these events, it becomes clear that community resilience is vital in combating the challenges posed by addiction and promoting healing paths towards reconciliation.