Indigenous Harm Reduction Program

Harm reduction keeps people safer when using substances by offering tools like safer supplies and Naloxone, without judgment. It respects Indigenous culture and helps people stay connected to their culture and to use substances more safely.

In Ontario, opioid-related deaths among First Nations people nearly tripled from 4.1 to 11.4 persons in a population of 10,000 people between 2019 and 2021. This rate is over seven times higher than that of non–First Nations individuals 1.6 persons in a population of 10,000).

Culturally safe, Indigenous informed harm reduction strategies are crucial to address the toxic drug supply crisis and support healing without stigma.

Stigma is negative judgment toward people who use substances. Being judged can stop people from getting help. Harm reduction promotes understanding and support instead of blame, no matter where a person is in their healing journey.

Harm reduction shifts judgment of substance use to compassion. It treats substance use disorder as a medical condition. Harm reduction uses respectful language and offers support, so people feel safer and respected.

Use respectful person-first language like “person who uses substances” instead of “addict.” Treat substance use as a health condition and support harm reduction efforts like carrying Naloxone.

You can help by carrying Naloxone, attending harm reduction workshops, supporting safer spaces, and spreading awareness. Join community events and support care that meets people where they are.

Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse opioid drug poisoning. Carrying it saves lives. Picking up a Naloxone kit is an act of love and caring and helps protect the sacred breath of life in our community.

Naloxone kits are available at community health centres and pharmacies.

No, it does not. Harm reduction focuses on keeping people safer and alive while offering supports for safer substance use.

Harm reduction can include providing people with access to safer supplies, distributing Naloxone kits, offering peer support, and doing outreach. Carrying and using Naloxone can help prevent death from opioid poisoning, thereby giving people more opportunities to connect with support services.

Indigenous harm reduction also provides inclusive access to cultural ceremonies and healing spaces, ensuring that no one is left without support.

Harm reduction promotes equity and inclusion by recognizing that everyone’s journey is different and that support should be accessible without judgment. It meets people where they are on their unique journey. By reducing stigma and removing barriers to care, it helps create access to care that is respectful, flexible, and meets the needs of people with lived and living experience. This inclusive approach helps build a more caring and supportive system for those impacted by substance use.

Harm reduction is about care, safety, and inclusion, ensuring that healing is accessible to all.

Indigenous populations in Canada have been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis. Despite being approximately 2.6% of the national population, they account for 10% of overdose deaths. Indigenous women are especially vulnerable, facing nonfatal overdoses at eight times the rate of non-Indigenous women and fatal overdoses at five times the rate.

By embracing harm reduction, we acknowledge these disparities and work toward safer, more supportive communities for those most at risk recognizing that healing for one is healing for all.