Ralph Taylor
Dear editor:
There is an urgency to implement immediate action to reduce the impacts of addictions, in particular, prescription drug abuse, and to ensure people have access and receive treatment in a timely manner.
We must come together as a community to develop real solutions that affect change.
The level of addictions and prescription drug abuse in our communities is escalating and I am calling for chiefs, councillors, health officials, police, municipal officials, and other stakeholders to come together to discuss these issues and find actions to prevent them from getting worse.
I would like to acknowledge the new youth detention centre in Fort Frances for the work they are doing with the youths, however, it is time to shift our energy into the area of prevention.
Addressing addictions facing the First Nations must be done through strengthening the family relationship, supportive programming, advocacy, training, and education. In addition, we need a detoxification and long-term treatment facility in the Fort Frances area.
Many of our youths are being affected by these addictions and it is this younger generation that will be the future policy-makers, health care workers, scientists, engineers, judges, and teachers.
As parents, we need to remember that what children are learning about their humanity now will be carried into adulthood and, ultimately, will determine how they will treat the elders.
While our childhoods were far from perfect, with the residential school system and the ’60s scoop, we looked out for and cared about other people. Many young teens are bored and deeply troubled, and lack the role models necessary for their nurturance.
I wouldn’t exchange my experience as a youth for what today’s children are facing. We all know the personal stories and struggles, challenges, and recovery of our First Nations’ people and youth.
We need changes for our children and grandchildren.
We are planning a “Walk for Sobriety” to be held in the near future. This event will be held to rally the support that is available from the community.
We are asking for the community to come out and support this event, and to reach out to bring their extended family members. Together we must begin to take the initiative to seek solutions.
Are you up for the challenge?
Sincerely,
Ralph Taylor
Fort Frances, Ont.
