1. health and fitness
2. addiction

TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
special publication
2015
Published by Blood Tribe
Administration
COMMUNICATIONS Department
The Blood Tribe Administration Review
entitled ‘TSINIKSSINI’ is dedicated to the
sharing of information for the people of the
Blood Tribe. The magazine format features
news, stories, articles and an array of items
as our way of sharing what is occurring on
the Blood reserve and beyond.
We hope you enjoy your magazine and
invite any suggestions you may have in
improving our coverage on any number of
events and activities. The magazine will
be printed on a monthly basis and will be
distributed to various locations on-and-off
the reserve.
The magazine is free of charge.
The magazine is published by the Blood
Tribe Communications department and
is printed by Graphcom Printers (2011) of
Lethbridge.
The collection of information, photographs
and layout of the magazine is from the
Blood Tribe Communications department.
Reproduction of any story or use of
photographs must be requested in
writing and addressed to the Blood
Tribe Communications department. Any
unauthorized use of stories and photos
of TSINIKSSINI or from the Blood Tribe
Communications department may infringe
on tribal copyright laws.
We would like to acknowledge the Blood
Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the
Blood Tribe for your support.
Rick Tailfeathers: Communications
Director
Tom Russell: Communications
Writer
Myron Fox: Layout
Graphic Design
Sarah Sweet Grass
Photos/Stories
Published by the authority of Blood Tribe
Chief & Council
Box 60 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0
ph: (403) 737-3753 FAX: (403) 737-2785
visit our website for more... www.bloodtribe.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 CHIEF AND COUNCIL MESSAGE
4 DR. TAILFEATHERS
5 GAYLE CHASE
6 BLOOD TRIBE POLICE REPORT
7 WHAT DOES AN OVERDOSE LOOK LIKE
8 ATTENTION COMMUNITY MEMBERS
10 WHAT ARE OXY 80’S
11 OPIOID ADDICTION AND OVERDOSE FACTS
12 DR CHERYL CURRIE
14 BLOOD TRIBE ASSET MAPPING
15 BAND COUNCIL RESOLUTION
16 EVENTS OF THE DRUG CRISIS
17 SAIPOYII SCHOOL POSTER CONTEST
18 DETOX AND TREATMENT PLAN STRATEGY
19 PAM LITTLE BEAR
20 EMERGENCY HOTLINE
Many tribal members are taking part in creating awareness and
showing their support in battling illicit and prescription drug abuses.
A number of meetings in each community on the reserve have a
purpose in sharing news and information.
PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Tailfeathers
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mason Wolfchild
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
CHIEF AND COUNCIL MESSAGE
Oki,
Blood Tribe Chief & Council would like to commend the earnest efforts of the prescription
drug abuse core group and the Blood Tribe community in creating awareness in the danger
of Oxy 80 and other illicit street drugs.
Since the passing of a Band Council Resolution (BCR) and the call for a local state of
emergency, the Blood Tribe community has come together working collectively in the
prevention of drug overdose. An alarming rate of deaths related to overdose has impacted
the tribe immensely. This call for action has connected the community, our professionals and
outside agencies, in the development of a strategy to combat the epidemic head on.
Our sincerest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in recent months. Our
focus is to understand and provide support and outreach to those who are in need. In the
early part of April, Blood Tribe Administration (BTA) hosted a two-day asset mapping
facilitation. This exercise included all departments and entities that provided an inventory
of what services and supports the tribe currently has. Where there are gaps, Chief & Council
will be discussing with both federal and provincial governments the shortfall and expediting
access to any resources available.
We must not forget that we are a proud nation. Now is the time for all of us to come together
and provide support for one another. Through awareness and understanding we can all enjoy
a quality of life and provide safety for the Blood Tribe.
Chief Charles Weasel Head
On behalf of Blood Tribe Chief & Council
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
DR. ESTHER TAILFEATHERS
Blood Tribe doctor continues battle
against illicit drug abuse
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers continues her fight
to free tribal members addicted to illicit
drugs and prescription pill abuse. She is
offering her support in bringing people
together to map out plans in stopping this
deadly activity.
Tailfeathers said she began to notice
an increase in overdoses last year from
alleged Fentanyl abuse. Since then,
Fentanyl, used as an ingredient in an
illegal drug known on the streets as Oxy
80, has been blamed for a number of
deaths and overdoses.
“We’re all affected, whether we’re
addicted or a family member is addicted,
or from someone who has died from Oxy
80,” she said. “As physicians, we’ve
become very concerned about that and
we’ve started discussions on what is our
role in all of this.”
breathing and almost died.”
That incident with Oxy 80 began the
process in researching and understanding
what Oxy 80 is and the extreme danger to
someone who is taking the illegal drug.
“The problem with Oxy 80 is that it is a
street drug,” she said. “There are people
out there who are manufacturing these
pills and they’re throwing anything
into the pills. They don’t measure how
much Fentanyl they put into them, so
any one of those pills people take can
have 10 micrograms or 100 micrograms
of Fentanyl. That’s why we’re hearing
that people taking it for the first time
are overdosing. People don’t know what
they’re taking and it’s killing them on the
spot.”
Tailfeathers was successful in obtaining
Naloxone training kits and has provided
training to identified service providers,
emergency responders and concerned
tribal members.
Her fight to seek healthy alternatives for
her people continues today. “This is a
huge problem. It’s overwhelming.”
Tailfeathers said her first incident with
Oxy 80 was a suspected overdose
she witnessed in the parking lot of a
department store in Lethbridge. Once
the ambulance arrived on the scene,
they revived the individual with Narcan.
Another incident was a young woman
who was brought into the hospital who
was overdosing. Tailfeathers said that
was the first time she seen an actual Oxy
80 pill.
“I was in the emergency room and they
brought in a lady who had stopped
breathing. She had no history of heart
problems,” she said. “So we immediately
gave her Narcan. She sat up and started
breathing again.”
Tailfeathers said they later pulled the
nasal gastric tube from the back of the
lady’s nose and in the back of the tube
was a green pill. She asked the young
woman what the pill was. “She said this
is Oxy 80 and ‘it’s the first time I used
it.’ The first time she used it, she stopped
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers providing Naloxone training to community members.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
GAYLE CHASE
Prescription drug strategy core group hires
new coordinator
A job was created in an effort to
streamline the various roles and
responsibilities of the growing number
of health care providers, organizations
and departments, including the local law
enforcement and partnering agencies. A
core group made up of professionals both
on-and-off the reserve decided that, due
to the enormity of the tasks and duties
involved in developing a strategy in
dealing with the drug crisis, an individual
would be the contact point in keeping the
flow of information moving toward its
intended destinations.
Gayle Chase, who has an extensive
background in the mental health
environment, was employed on April 1,
2015, as the Prescription Drug Strategy
Project Coordinator. She will work
closely as a member of the Prescription
Drug Strategy Project to coordinate all
activities in evaluating the various aspects
and plans according to the direction of
the core project group.
“I would like to commend the Blood Tribe
for taking on the initiative to address
prescription drug abuse,” she said. “I
believe the focus now is looking at the
whole issue around detox that is needed
in the community. I will be working with
the core group and helping to implement
the action plan that has been drafted by
the core group.”
Chase, who has a Master’s Degree in
Social Work and brings with her over
25 years of experience in the area of
addictions, is already becoming deeply
involved with the core group as they
move toward implementing the plans
into action.
“There’s been a lot of work done and now
it’s the implementation and action plans
that we are working on,” she said. “The
asset mapping work being performed
now will bring the service providers
Prescription Drug Strategy Project Coordinator, Gayle Chase, brings with her over 25
years experience in the area of addiction
together to share their resources to
address a common issue.”
The Prescription Drug Strategy Project
Coordinator’s office is situated at the
Family & Community Support Services
building where Chase and assistant
Sandra Curly Rider can be contacted.
Chase understands the responsibilities of
her duties and is looking forward in how
the community members can be reached
in creating awareness and educating on
other alternatives to drug abuses. “We
need to focus on prevention and our
family structures,” she said. “I commend
Pam Little Bear for stepping forward and
sharing her experiences with drug abuse.
We need more people like her to step
forward in helping others.”
Chase understands the enormity of her
role and looks forward to the day when
the people of the Blood Tribe can live in
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a healthy, productive environment.
“We need to strengthen the cultural
aspect; we need to bring that back,”
she said. “We need to utilize our elders,
cultural practices and elders in helping to
develop our family structures. We really
need to focus on family healing and the
support that is so important. We need to
provide support to the families and not
just on the person with the addiction.”
“I believe the focus
now is looking at the
whole issue around
detox that is needed in
the community”
TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
The Blood Tribe
Police Service
Crime Reduction
Unit
Chief of Police Lee Boyd
The purpose of the CRU team is to provide ongoing support and intervention in the community to reduce gang
violence, crime recidivism and youth involvement.
There are four elements to the structure of the CRU Unit.
1. CRU - three officer team of investigators and intervention specialists. Liaise with community groups
such as foot patrol and neighborhood watch regarding ongoing community public disorder issues.
2. One Crime Prevention coordinator to work with the community and the police to facilitate
communication and youth programming.
3. Engagement of Victim Services coordinator and volunteers – ongoing assistance to victims and witness
management to assist in building community confidence and its perception of safety.
4. Crime Analysis – constant review and analysis of police calls for service and crimes in the community.
The CRU team was established in January of 2015 and is currently comprised of:
•
Two constables as investigator/intervention specialists
•
Supervised by the member in charge of Operations
•
Victim Services on an as needed basis
•
Crime Analysis as supplied via the provincial ALERT team out of Lethbridge.
We have recently been informed that a Crime Prevention Position has been approved for the police service and
will be initiated within the next six months.
Our team has been very active in enforcement and disruption tactics in tackling the Oxy 80 problem in the
community. They also spearhead our message to the community about the dangers of drug abuse and its related
issues such as violence, break and enters and thefts.
If you have information about who is dealing illegal drugs let our investigators know by e-mailing oxy@
bloodtribepolice.com
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
What does an overdose look like?
An overdose looks different depending on the drug you take, like if it’s an ‘up’ or a ‘down’
Your body can go crazy and you can do the “funky chicken”
If you took ‘up’, your heart may be going really fast, you might get sweaty, and you can have lots of bad seizures.
If you took ‘down’, your breathing & heart rate slows then stops altogether
If your heart or breathing really slows down or stop, you will have cool skin and turn blue.
OVERDOSE - OPIOIDS /DEPRESSANTS
FEELS AND LOOKS LIKE:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Person cannot stay awake
Can’t talk or walk
Slow or no pulse
Slow or no breathing, gurgling
Skin looks pale or blue, feels cold
Pupils are pinned or eyes rolled back
Vomiting
Body is limp
No response to noise or knuckles being rubbed hard on the breastbone.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE SOMEONE OVERDOSE???
Just because someone overdoses, doesn’t mean they will die... they just need the right help.
STEP 1: Call 9-1-1 if the person isn’t waking up or isn’t breathing, is having seizures, or has chest pains.
STEP 2: Roll the person into the ‘recovery’ position.
STEP 3: Stay with the person (if you can) until help arrives.
PREVENTION
Overdose is most common when:
• Your tolerance is lower: you took a break, were in detox/
treatment or jail, or you are a new user.
• You have been sick, tired, run down, dehydrated or have liver
issues.
• You mix drugs: prescribed or not, legal or illegal.
• The drugs are stronger than you are used to: changes in supply, dealer or town
TO PREVENT OVERDOSE:
•
Know your health status and your tolerance
•
Do not mix drugs and alcohol. If you do mix, choose to use drugs before alcohol
•
Be aware: using drugs while on prescribed medications can increase overdose risk
•
Don’t use alone. Leave door unlocked. Tell someone to check on you
•
Do testers to check strength. Use less. Pace yourself
•
Talk to an experienced person or a trusted healthcare provider about reducing risk
•
Know CPR and get trained on giving naloxone
•
Choose a safer route of taking drugs
Naloxone:
When you overdose on an opiate (like morphine or heroin) your breathing slows down and can stop.
Naloxone is a drug that can wake you up AND save your life!
Even though you wake up, the opiate is still in your body.
CALL 9-1-1! And don’t take another hit... you can OVERDOSE again.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
ATTENTION COMMUNITY MEMBERS
WHAT IS OXY 80?
•
ALL Oxy 80s are fake. It is not from a doctor.
•
The criminals making it use a pill press and food coloring to make it look like a prescription pill.
•
It is not a prescription. This drug is made by criminals.
•
Most fake Oxy 80 pills contain Fentanyl.
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
•
Fentanyl is a very strong drug that slows your body down.
•
Fentanyl is toxic. Very small amounts of Fentanyl can stop your breathing.
•
If you use drugs with Fentanyl, like fake Oxy 80s, you will become addicted very quickly.
•
Once you are addicted, the cravings are extreme. It will be very hard to get off the drug.
•
It is very easy to overdose on Fentanyl.
•
Fake Oxy 80s have different amounts of Fentanyl in every pill. Some could have a very deadly dose.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
•
One fake Oxy 80 pill can have a deadly dose and can kill you. Don’t be the next victim.
WHAT IS CAUSING SO MANY OVERDOSES IN OUR COMMUNITY?
•
Fentanyl in fake Oxy 80s is what is causing the deaths in our community. All Oxy 80s are fake.
•
Don’t be the next victim.
•
Using fake Oxy 80s is like playing Russian roulette.
•
Mixing Oxy 80s with other drugs or alcohol increases your chances of an overdose and you can die.
CALL 911 – EARLY OVERDOSE SIGNS
•
Severe sleepiness
•
Slow heartbeat
•
Trouble breathing
•
Slow, shallow breathing or snoring
•
Cold, clammy skin
•
Trouble walking or talking
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
WHAT ARE OPIOIDS, OXYCONTIN (OXY80) AND THE DANGERS
What are opioids?
• Opioids are medications that relieve pain.
• They are also called pain killers.
• Opioids are oxycodone, fentanyl, Percocet, Vicodin, morphine, and codeine.
• Opioids slow the functions of the body down.
• Your body can become addicted to opioids quickly
Are opioids dangerous?
• Yes. Opioids can be dangerous.
• All opioids slow the body down.
• If too much is taken, a person can stop breathing and die.
• Some opioids like fentanyl slow the body down a lot, and breathing can stop even if only a little is taken.
What is OxyContin?
• OxyContin was an opioid that no longer exists in Canada.
• OxyContin was replaced by OxyNEO.
• OxyNEO contains the same ingredients as OxyContin, but OxyNEO is hard to crush, and becomes a gel if
liquid is added.
• If you can easily crush a pill claiming to be Oxy80 - you know it some other drug.
• Fake Oxy80 pills are usually green with oxy80 stamped on them.
• Fake Oxy80 usually contain unknown quantities of fentanyl, mixed with other harsh chemicals.
What is Fentanyl?
• Fentanyl is a very strong opioid.
• Very small amounts of fentanyl can stop breathing.
• It is very easy to overdose on fentanyl
• If you use drugs with fentanyl you will become addicted very quickly.
• Once you are addicted, the cravings are extreme. It will be very hard to get off the drug.
Cut back on opioids if you have a cold, asthma or, snore a lot
• Overdose deaths are more likely to happen if you take opioids and have a chest infection (bronchitis,
pneumonia), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema.
• If you are coughing up phlegm, it may be harder for you to recover from the slow breathing (respiratory
depression) that comes with taking too much opioid. Unusual snoring after taking opioids can be a sign of an
overdose.
Mixing opioids with alcohol is dangerous
•Mixing opioids with alcohol can lead to fatal levels of the opioid being released all at once.
• This is sometimes called “dose dumping” and it increases the likelihood of overdose.
• This isn’t a high worth chasing. Don’t wash down opioids with alcohol.
Some opioid pills contain dangerous amounts of Tylenol
• Taking Tylenol every day for weeks can damage your liver.
• This can be very serious if you have hepatitis C, are drinking alcohol a lot, or have liver problems.
• Brand name opioids with Tylenol are: Tylenol 1 to 3, Vicodin, Percocet, Tylox, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco,
Darvocet and Ultracet.
• If you are concerned, ask your doctor to prescribe you something without Tylenol.
•If you can’t see a doctor and are treating your own pain, try to find painkillers that don’t have “acetaminophen”
or “APAP” written on the label.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
These are what the fake oxycontin pills look like. The Oxy 80 pills are highly damaging and cause death to the user.
OPIOID ADDICTION & OVERDOSE
FACTS:
What happens if I stop taking an opioid & then start again?
• If you use opioids regularly you will develop tolerance
• Tolerance means more and more of the drug is needed for the same effects
• If you stop taking the drug for days or weeks, you will lose tolerance.
• If you start using again, and use the same amount you took before you stopped, the risk of overdose is
extreme.
What should I do if I think I am addicted to an opioid?
• This needs to be decided by the community —a plan is needed for those struggling with addiction to ensure
success.
• This should include treatment for the physical addiction AND treatment for the psychological addiction.
People need help so they do not turn to another addiction (or relapse) when there is no more high to rely on to
deal with psychological trauma.
What does an opioid overdose look like?
1. Slow breathing — less than 10 breaths per minute
2. Loud snoring or gasping for air
3. Skin colour is blue or gray around lips or fingernails
4. You can’t wake them up.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
DR. CHERYL CURRIE
Prescription drug misuse presentation
decribes Fentanyl as very harmful drug
more to get the same effect. But once
you get clean, your body’s ability to
handle the drug goes down. If you
relapse, you must take a smaller
dose, or your chance of overdose
will be very high. Even after a week
of being clean, if you relapse, take a
smaller dose to keep yourself safe.”
Dr. Cheryl Currie shares her expertise in bringing people together during this time of crisis.
At the Asset Mapping Workshop Dr.
Cheryl Currie gave a presentation
that provided an overview of
prescription drug misuse in Canada
and other countries. Dr. Currie
is an Assistant Professor at the
University of Lethbridge. Her
presentation described the rapid
increase in prescription drug abuse
occurring worldwide. She noted
that in the past 2 decades the US
has experienced a 250% increase
in prescription drug misuse. She
notes Canada has now become the
second largest consumer of narcotic
prescription drugs in the world - the
silver medal winners! Although
it is not much of a prize - with
increasing prescription drug use
comes more abuse, addiction and
overdose, said Dr. Currie.
countries in Europe, like Estonia,
have been struggling with fentanyl
problems for years. Addicts describe
feeling trapped, the cravings are so
strong, people need medical help to
get off this drug.”
Avoiding
Overdose
Currie also described the symptoms
of prescription drug addiction and
overdose. “An overdose occurs
when a person takes more of a drug
than the body can handle. The body
loses control over basic functions of
life like breathing and keeping the
heart beating correctly,” she said.
Currie noted that people are at
greatest risk for overdose if they
Dr. Currie described fentanyl as get clean, then relapse. “Your body
a particularly harmful drug. “It builds up a tolerance to a drug over
is extremely addictive. Wealthy time, so that you need more and
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Currie also highlighted the work of
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers and others
to prevent overdose. “Overdose
kits containing Narcan saves
lives,” she said. Kainai is the first
community in Canada to train the
public to use these life saving kits.
It is exciting to see Kainai lead the
way. I expect you will soon see
other communities, both Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal, following your
lead.
TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
A Model for Success
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cases of addiction if less pain killers
Canadians do together to improve are prescribed.”
Dr. Currie presented a model to the situation?”
The final part of the framework is
tackle prescription drug misuse
developed by the Chiefs of Ontario. The second part of the Take a treatment. “Drug addiction can be
The Take a Stand Framework Stand Framework is focused on difficult to overcome,” said Currie.
highlights 4 strategic areas to reduce living a healthy life. This means “Reaching out for help is important.
having work you feel proud of, It is not a matter of will power.
the problem.
having opportunities to engage Addiction is a brain disease. Does
The first is promoting healthy in healthy recreation, and having it make sense to use your brain to
relations in the community. Some time to engage the spiritual sides overcome it?” Currie described
Aboriginal
scholars
describe of self. Research all over the world, the role of detox programs,
treatment,
and
mental illness - including addiction including Alberta, has shown that psychological
when
Aboriginal
people
return
to
aftercare
to
heal
from
prescription
- as a spiritual illness and more
specifically a ‘soreness of the spirit’ Aboriginal traditions and values drug addiction. She noted that
caused by the separation from addictions go down dramatically for some, an opiate replacement,
kinship and family due to residential and people feel better - more like Suboxone or Methadone, can
schools and colonization. Programs connected - at a number of levels in reduce cravings so people can stay
clean and go through psychological
that encourage individual, family their life.
treatment. “It is important to work
and community healing are needed
The
third
part
of
the
framework
with your doctor to determine if
to restore balance.
Currie also outlined how racism addresses the number of pills in full medical detox or an opiate
impacts health and feelings of the community by working with replacement is best for you,” she
self-worth. Research by Currie doctors and educating patients. said. Once formal treatment is
and others has shown that when “Sometimes people need help with complete aftercare support can
people experience high levels of physical pain,” said Currie, “but a help reduce relapse. “It is like
racism addictions go up. “People pill isn’t always the answer.” Currie helping someone up steps,” said
sometimes struggle to cope with highlighted traditional therapies Currie. “Aftercare is that final step
these experiences, or escape them, like yoga that can be effective. “The - an essential step– to help people
with drugs,” she said.
Currie evidence is strong - yoga practice can find work, rebuild relationships,
outlined her research in Alberta help with many forms of pain. Yoga and work through any legal issues
– which suggests Aboriginal is more than 1000 years old - and it’s caused by their addiction. Aftercare
Canadians experience very high fun too! Dr. Susan Christenson is helps people find a meaningful
levels of racism. “Racism is a toxic introducing yoga classes in Kainai place in the community again.”
stressor. It affects health. It affects for people in physical pain. It is a
wellbeing. It affects a person’s great idea, and it could reduce new
ability to find work and support
their family,” said Currie. She notes
that to tackle this problem, a shift in
thinking is needed in Canada:
“It’s as though the non-Aboriginal
population has been holding a mirror
up and telling Aboriginal people
to look at themselves and make
changes. What we need to do at
this point is turn the mirror around.
What are non-Aboriginal people
doing to perpetuate the problems
and obstacles that Aboriginal
people continue to face? What can
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
CORE GROUP
Blood Tribe takes inventory of current
support services through asset mapping
Overview:
for strategic planning, community
mobilization
and
economic
Asset Mapping is a capacity
development. Mapping ultimately
inventory of existing community
identifies service relationships.
agencies and/or services. A
community asset mapping assists
with creating positive partnerships
with existing community agencies,
helps identify key stakeholders
and will assist with identifying Over the course of two days the
overlapping of services. It is a asset mapping session entailed
process that mobilizes a community community agency collaboration,
to use its assets to develop a networking and strategizing action
plan to solve its problems and plans to tackle the epidemic within
improve residents’ quality of life the Blood Tribe. This organic
(Kretzmann, John P. and John L. process included various agencies
McKnight. 1993). This process does of upper management. Agencies
not remove the need for outside brainstormed inventory of services,
resources but provides a detailed ranking of what was most valued
inventory of what is presently in within the community and rational
the community. It will assist current of the value of these identified assets.
service providers with building A grass roots initiative formed from
current capacities and provide these sessions as agencies began to
strategies on addressing community strategize solutions with the current
issues. The mapping process will services that are available within the
promote
service
relationships Blood Tribe.
which will build the foundation The overall goal of the two days
Asset Mapping 2 Day
Session
was to build the foundation for
a comprehensive strategic plan
to involve the engagement of
community service providers. This
initiative was supported by Chief
& Council which included a “Band
Council Resolution”.
Numerous agencies that were
involved in this two day process
included:
Communication,
Education, Human Resources,
Lands, Public Works, Healing
Lodge,
Social
Development,
Health, Blood Tribe Police, Tribal
Government, FCSS, Recreation,
and BTEST. Each department
participated in the process of the
collaboration and commitment
to identified action plans. This
initiative consists of committment
plans that agencies took upon
themselves to address with “next
steps” action plans to be completed
by May 8, 2015.
Blood Tribe departments and entities, “core group” busy developing and implementing drug problem strategies.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
The following is the Band Council Resolution from the Blood Tribe Chief and Council
WHEREAS the Chief and Councillors (“Council”) of the Blood Tribe act for and on behalf of the Blood
Tribe members;
AND WHEREAS Council has a growing concern about the serious problems of drug abuse in the Blood
Tribe community and believes that there is an escalating problem with respect to the use of the street
drug Oxy 80 and other opiates;
AND WHEREAS there are a growing number of deaths in the Blood Tribe community as a result of the
consequences of drug use and abuse;
AND WHEREAS Council has worked with concerned community members, including members of
Council, Blood Tribe Administration Departments and entities and professionals within the public service
and health agencies and are actively working on an organized plan to provide services to the community
but in the interim the harm to the health and welfare of community members is escalating on a daily
basis;
AND WHEREAS the Blood Tribe has partnered with the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
Lethbridge and has endorsed an Asset Mapping Project wherein an assessment will be conducted that
shall compile an inventory of existing community agencies and services and assist with creating positive
partnerships among those services as a means of addressing the problems of drug use;
AND WHEREAS Council believes that the concerns relating to the unlawful drug use has reached a crisis
point and is in the state of an emergency and actions and resources further to the ones already being
undertaken are immediately required;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT that the Blood Tribe Police is directed to take immediate
action and to ensure that a priority is given to combatting the growing unlawful drug sales and the
growing use of opiates, including Oxy 80, in the Blood Tribe Community;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Blood Tribe shall actively seek federal health funding and
all other funding and related resources to combat this growiing concern of drug use and dangers to the
health and welfare of Blood Tribe members.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS OF DRUG CRISIS
• Dr. Esther Tailfeathers begins to notice a rise of overdoses in July 2014. The illicit drug Oxy 80 is pulled from the nasal cavity of a
patient she is treating; confirming her initial fear of a more potent drug containing Fentanyl being sold on the Blood reserve.
• December 2014 Dr. Esther Tail Feathers writes to Blood Tribe Chief & Council informing them of the dangerous oxy 80 drug.
• December 11, 2014 Chief & Council issue an Community Alert on the Dangers of the Illicit Drug Oxy 80.
• Blood Tribe Police issued a Media Release stating the arrest of a non-tribal member who was charged with three counts of
Possession of a Controlled Narcotic for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2); and two counts of Possession of a
controlled Narcotic for the purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drug & Substance Act.
• Chief and Council organized a Core Team in January 2015 to bring awareness of illicit street drug Oxy 80 & Prescription Drug
Abuse. This group will also prepare and distribute overdose prevention kits and to improve treatment options for the community.
• The Blood Tribe Police Service launched a “Crime Reduction Unit” in January 17, 2015, which two officers are assigned to deal
exclusively with drug investigations. They are currently seeking additional officers from the RCMP.
• A series of awareness walks beginning on January 19, 2015, in the Moses Lake community, in Stand Off on January 20th and a
community meeting at the Multipurpose building on January 22nd highlight the dangers of the Oxy 80 crisis and alleged cause of a
number of deaths.
• A Public Announcement is distributed to the Blood Tribe members concerning Naloxone training beginning in Levern on March 3, in
Moses Lake on March 4 and at the Multipurpose building on March 5, 2015.
• On March 4, Chief and Council declared a local state of emergency and ordered in 47 kits of the drug naloxone, known to counter
effects of an opioid overdose.
• Blood Tribe police reported four suspected fentanyl overdoses on Friday, March 20, 2015; two of them fatal.
• On March 20, 2015, three members of the Blood reserve are charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance contrary to section 5(1)
of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act; Causing death by Criminal Negligence contrary to Section 220 of the Criminal Code of
Canada; and Causing Death by Criminal Negligence contrary to Section 220 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
• On Friday, March 20th, Blood Tribe Chief & Council issue a warning. Dr. Esther Tailfeathers tells Blood Tribe Officials, “Potency of
this new influx of Fake Oxy80 is higher and deadlier than ever before and is now combined with other drugs including ecstasy.”
• Blood Tribe has engaged in numerous awareness events in the community, including the Door-to-Door Campaign on Sunday March
22, 2015.
• The Door-to-Door Campaign included representatives from Council, elders, volunteers, and youth. Education flyers on the fake Oxy
80 were distributed.
• The reserve has seen 16 confirmed fatal overdoses linked to fentanyl since doctors began screening for the drug in late August, early
September, according to Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, who works at a Stand Off clinic and Cardston emergency room. Two suspected cases
could push the total to 18.
• The Naloxone training sessions continue on April 1, 2015, at the Multipurpose building.
• The Blood Tribe is fast tracking a 24-hour EMERGENCY HOTLINE, which will offer information and mental health support for
users. The number to the EMERGENCY HOTLINE is 403.737.HELP / 403.737.4357
• The Crisis Core group is continuing their efforts in bringing awareness to the dangers of illicit and prescription drug abuses on the
Blood reserve.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
COMMUNITY
POSTER CONTEST
Pam Little Bear brought children from
the community together and challenged
them to a poster contest. Here are a few
of the children’s creations and their
messages of illegal and prescription
drug abuses.
The parents of the children who created
these posters were also involved in
sharing their thoughts and feelings as
the children designed their creations.
These children are our future; protect
and honor them.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
DETOX AND TREATMENT PLAN STRATEGY
1. Kainai Wellness Centre - Mental Health/Addictions Services have acquired two detox
beds from the Foothills Detox - Fort Macleod. These beds are being used on a continuous
basis.
2. Renfrew Detox Centre - Calgary, has beds available. These beds are on a first-come,
first-serve basis. The client must call by 7am on the day of arrival and the bed will be held
until the client arrives. If Renfrew does not receive this call, the bed will be given to the
next person on the waiting list.
3. There are 2 AADAC workers that are providing service to Blood Tribe members. They
are located at the Standoff Clinic. These workers are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If the client is requesting treatment services, they are then referred to the Wellness Centre.
4. Kainai Wellness Centre - Mental Health/Addictions Services provide counselling
and referrals to NIHB approved treatment centres in Alberta, as well as a male specific
treatment centre in BC.
5. Due to the increase of individuals requesting treatment, AADAC treatment centres
are accepting our clients based on approval from NIHB. These individuals must go through
Mental Health/Addictions Services for pre-treatment counselling and referral to appropriate
treatment centres. Mental Health/Addictions will not cover any private treatment centres.
6. We are seeing a high demand for a medical detox facility. The numbers have
increased dramatically for detox services. This shortage is evident across the Alberta
region.
7. A transition program is needed to support the client once they have completed detox
and are waiting to enter treatment. Once treatment is completed these clients should
ideally enter an Aftercare program to assist the individual on the road to recovery.
Presently we are exploring options on the Transition and Aftercare phases of the Treatment
continuum.
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TSINIKSSINI special publication 2015
PAM LITTLE BEAR
Community member shares her story of
survival
A tribal member who has been deep in the
heart of prescription drug abuse is stepping
forward to share her life as an addict. Pam
Little Bear, a wife and mother of eight,
made the decision to free herself from
addictions and is showing her courage in
helping others realize just how destructive
and dangerous prescription and illegal
drugs affect the abuser and their families.
Ever since she made the decision to stop
abusing drugs, Little Bear is now speaking
at gatherings and awareness walks to share
how terrible the abuse of drugs affected her
and her loved ones.
“I’m so glad I’m free from this nightmare,”
she said. “I would never want anyone to
become a pill-popper. What these drugs did
to me took away my money, job, health, my
memories, the love of my family and my
life. My health was so poor that I would
rather take the pills than eat.”
Her journey into the destructive and
dangerous world of prescription drug
abuse endangered the lives of those most
precious—her children.
“One of these pills fell and my son put it
into his mouth,” she said. “He became
drowsy and his head was dropping. His
eyes started rolling back, he was lifeless.
We floored it to the hospital; I was crying,
but at the same time, I was checking to see
if my pills were still there. The doctor told
me what he took, and I eventually had to
tell them what he took so that the doctors
would know how they could treat him.
The pills controlled my life because that
next day, instead of quitting, I went back
to Lethbridge to get more pills, instead of
thinking of my family and what happened
to my son. That’s how bad addictions are.”
Today, Little Bear is a strong advocate in
the fight against prescription and illegal
drug abuse. She credits her Husband,
friends and professionals for doing an
intervention that helped her on a path to
regain a healthy lifestyle. Little Bear is
also taking the initiative to help a growing
Pam Little Bear addressing community members of her struggle to overcome prescription drug abuse
number of people who want to begin life
once again that is free from addictions.
Little Bear is a courageous, strong
Blackfoot woman who is taking a stand
in fighting addictions by sharing her story.
She prays and hopes others will realize
how much more fulfilling and healthy
their lives will be, to be among others who
choose to live without drugs and alcohol in
their lives.
“One of these pills fell and my son put it into his
mouth,” she said. “He became drowsy and his head
was dropping. His eyes started rolling back, he was
lifeless.” - Pam Little Bear
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OVERDOSE PREVENTION
EMERGENCY HOTLINE
SAVE A LIFE
The Blood Tribe is currently setting up an
EMERGENCY HOTLINE to help those seeking
information regarding prescription and
illicit drug abuses.
The number will be:
(403)737-HELP
(403)737-4357