‘It gives you the tools’: First Nations Health Authority releases resources to tackle substance abuse in youth

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The provincial health body committed to assisting Indigenous communities in navigating substance abuse has released a new toolkit.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) recently announced its ‘With Open Arms’ toolkit, offering guidance and tips on “how to have courageous conversations” around topics such as harm reduction and substance abuse, with videos and other resources.

The kit was released through consultation with an FNHA-appointed youth advisory committee, with Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) members Leaf Turrell and Jessica Campbell listed as members.

The 24-year-old Turrell told Energeticcity.ca that planning with the youth advisory committee began in 2022 when the FNHA looked to see what young Indigenous people had to say about substance use and harm reduction.

“[They asked] questions such as ‘how do you find harm reduction?’ and ‘how could it be helpful to you?’ across different gatherings,” said Turrell. 

Turrell said the toolkit is unique as it can be adapted to many situations that youth in a First Nations community could be facing, including more serious concerns such as human trafficking. 

“It can be translated into or adjusted into anything that a youth could be going through,” said Turrell. “It can help if you notice something going on with your friends and you have concerns. It gives you the tools in order to be able to bring up those hard conversations.”

The kit, which is free and can be downloaded online, is organized into four pillars: ‘wholistic wellness and prevention,’ ‘reducing harm/safer use,’ ‘changing relationships to substance use,’ and ‘creating safer, more supportive communities.’

Turrell, who said she had used substances on a medicinal basis in the past, told Energeticcity.ca the toolkit helped her to “manage her pain” without using opioids. 

“In rural communities or remote communities, where everyone knows everyone, there’s going to be a lot of youth who are afraid to go and ask for that help or to even ask their friends,” said Turrell.

FNHA chief medical officer Dr. Nel Wieman said in a statement that the kit includes videos and resources to allow young Indigenous community members to “feel empowered” when discussing topics such as harm reduction and substance abuse, noting the toxic drug crisis “affects us all.”

“We must continue and expand our harm reduction efforts,” said Wieman. “The FNHA will continue to provide culturally safe, First Nations harm reduction support for First Nations communities across B.C.”

For more information or to view the resources, visit the FNHA’s harm reduction website.