Our Commitment
We, at WAHA are committed to Indigenous Harm Reduction by embracing harm reduction strategies that are culturally relevant, community-led, and rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing. Through this approach, we ensure that harm reduction not only reduces substance-related harms but also supports wholistic well-being and long-term healing within the communities it serves.
WAHA is committed to advancing harm reduction in response to the drug toxicity crisis, fatal opioid poisonings/overdoses and substance use related harms disproportionately affecting the communities across the Weeneebayko area. Serving Moose Factory, Moosonee, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat and Peawanuck, WAHA launched its Indigenous Harm Reduction program in 2024 to lead the development and implementation of community-led, culturally grounded harm reduction initiatives.
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to reduce harms associated with substance use. It is focused on improving the well-being of individuals by providing services, resources, and strategies to minimize harm, rather than demanding abstinence. Harm reduction strategies are non-judgmental, compassionate, and aimed at protecting individuals and communities while respecting autonomy.
Harm reduction helps people stay safer when they use substances, no matter where they are on their journey. It recognizes that substance use disorder happens, and instead of punishing or shaming people, harm reduction focuses on providing support and practical ways to help reduce harms.
Common practices include
Access to Naloxone kits to prevent fatal opioid poisonings/overdoses
Reducing stigma related to substance use
Education and outreach on safer use practices
Safer use supplies for substance use
Indigenous Harm Reduction: A Holistic Approach
At WAHA, we practice harm reduction by integrating cultural, spiritual, and community practices into our strategies. Our approach is not just about reducing the harms associated with substance use; it is about fostering healing, restoring relationships, and ensuring the well-being of individuals in the context of their culture, language, and traditions.
Naloxone – A Tool for healing and saving lives
Naloxone is a lifesaving medicine that reverves opiod poisoning. Carrying a Naloxone kit is an act of love and care for your community.
Why Carry Naloxone?
- It saves lives and gives people the chance to heal.
- It shows care and commitment to protecting the sacred breath of life.
- It reduces the stigma and normalizes harm reduction in our community.
Where can you find one?
- Local Health Centers
- Nursing Stations
- Pharmacies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harm Reduction in Indigenous Communities?
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 use substances more safely.
Why is harm reduction important in Indigenous communities?
Harm reduction is essential in Indigenous communities as it aligns with values of care, respect, and community while promoting safety and healing. It helps keep people safer and honours their healing journey.
In Ontario, opioid-related deaths among First Nations people nearly tripled from 4.1 to 11.4 per 10,000 population between 2019 and 2021. In 2021, this rate was over seven times higher than that of non–First Nations individuals (1.6 per 10,000).
Culturally safe harm reduction strategies are crucial in addressing this crisis and supporting healing.
What is Naloxone, and why should I carry it?
Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse opioid drug poisoning. Carrying it saves lives. Picking up a Naloxone kit shows love and care, protecting the sacred breath of life in our community.
How does harm reduction reduce stigma?
Harm reduction shifts from judgment to compassion. It treats substance use disorder as a medical condition. By using respectful language and offering support, people feel safe and respected.
How can I help with harm reduction in my community?
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.
Does harm reduction encourage substance use?
No, harm reduction doesn’t encourage substance use. It focuses on keeping people safer and alive while offering support for safer use.
What are examples of harm reduction?
Harm reduction can include access to safer supplies, the use of Naloxone kits, peer support, and outreach.
Carrying and using Naloxone helps prevent opioid poisoning keeping people alive and allowing them to connect with ongoing support.
Harm reduction also extends to inclusive access to cultural ceremonies and healing spaces, ensuring that no one is left without support, and that equity and inclusion remain central.
Where can I get Naloxone?
Naloxone kits are available at [insert locations]. Picking up a kit is about making our community safer. Carrying Naloxone helps to protect the sacred breath of life.
Why is harm reduction important for rural and Northern communities?
Rural and Northern communities often have less access to healthcare. Harm reduction provides lifesaving tools and helps people stay connected to care in a compassionate way, while preserving the sacred breath of life.
How does harm reduction fit with Indigenous values?
Harm reduction reflects Indigenous teachings of love, respect, and community. It helps without judgment and connects people to their culture, land, and spirit, protecting the sacred breath of life.
What is stigma around substance use disorder?
Stigma is negative judgment toward people who use substances. It can stop them from getting help. Harm reduction promotes understanding and support instead of blame, no matter where one is in their healing journey.
How can I reduce stigma around substance use?
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.
Reducing stigma promotes equity and inclusion for all.
Why should our community embrace harm reduction?
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 representing 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.
How does harm reduction promote equity and inclusion?
Harm reduction promotes equity by meeting people where they are and valuing each individual where they are on their journey. It ensures access to diverse healing methods for all, breaking down barriers to achieve collective healing.
Recognizing that access looks different for everyone, harm reduction creates equitable pathways that honour each person’s unique journey.
Contact Us
We are here to support you and your community, and we welcome any feedback, suggestions. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Indigenous Harm Reduction programs you can email us at harm.reduction@waha.ca or use the following form.
Resources and Links:
- The Canoe Project
- First Nations Health Authority – Indigenous Harm Reduction
- CATIE – Harm Reduction
- CCSA – Overcoming Stigma Online Learning
- NEPH – Naloxone – Opioid Awareness and Prevention
- Learn How to Give Naloxone
- NEPH – Proper Sharps Handling and Disposal
- ODPRN – Opioid Use, Related Harms, and Access to Treatment Among First Nations in Ontario