Friday, September 2, 2011

First Nation Leaders speak out against drug abuse

The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is calling on Ottawa to help stem what its calling an epidemic of prescription drug abuse across Northwestern Ontario.


Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says it has been 2-years since they declared a state of emergency because of drug abuse, but government response has been minimal.

He says oxycontin addiction did not begin in their communities and the drug is not made in their territory.

He made the comments yesterday came as Lyle Fox arrived in Thunder Bay to end a 380-kilometre walk from Sioux Lookout to raise awareness and funds for the fight against prescription drug abuse.

Fox is calling on youth to take up the fight against prescription drug abuse on First Nations.

The Bearskin Lake First Nation resident says oxycodone tablets are selling anywhere from 500 to 600-dollars each.