The usage of drugs and alcohol among First Nations youth is increasing drastically. It has become problematic in all communities regardless of ethnicity. There are number of risk-factors associated with drug and alcohol usage in our First Nations communities such as poverty, language barriers, isolation, bullying, lack of parental supervision, drug availability and inadequate coping mechanisms.
Red Road LOGO, made by yours truly 🙂
In 2012, in order to tackle these increasing rates one of the things instituted by the community chiefs from all around Nova Scotia was the “Red Road Project” which is a program aimed at educating First Nations youth about the dangers of using illegal substances and the after effects associated with it.
Throughout the program participants experience cultural teachings such as smudging, sweats, and talking circles. Which is believed to assist in finding ones identity and purpose. This program also encourages youth to say no to drugs and alcohol, by doing so one is staying on the “red road”.
In Eskasoni, The local rehabilitation center “Mi’kmaw Lodge Treatment Center” started a program for youth called “Peer-Helper Program”. This program was aimed at educating youth with several skills such as suicide prevention, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), anger-management, drug and alcohol abuse prevention. The programs participants were equipped with skills that could be implemented whenever a situation arose such as when friends and/or families were dealing with problems.
I was fortunate enough to be a part of this “peer-helper program”, not only did it provide me and others with skills that we can use someday but it also served as a diversion program. It was a form of distraction growing up instead of turning to drugs or alcohol you had this program to look forward to everyday. This wasn’t the only program offered by the Mi’kmaw Lodge, it also provided programs such as learn to swim, ballet, bowling, and weekly trips to the movies which kept the youth of Eskasoni occupied.
It is important as healthcare professionals to be aware of programs available for the first nations populations. Because available programs for youth such as “big brother,big sister” and youth centers may not appeal to First Nations due to the fear of racism and being labeled attention seeking.
For more information regarding resources for aboriginal and non-aboriginal youth please visit the sites below
Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association of Nova Scotia (N.A.D.A.C.A)
Two-Eyed Seeing for Health 