Photo of: 4th Annual Drug Awareness Walk
Photo by: Danielle Dufour
The fourth annual drug awareness walk for fentanyl and crystal meth, organized by Regina Treaty Status Indian Services (RTSIS), was held on Friday in North Central Regina. Elder Cindy Worm offered a prayer for the event.
“As we’re walking today, remember who we’re walking for and how we walk, because we’re walking for those community members that aren’t in this place where they feel safe enough for surviving,” said Natasha Kennedy Executive Director RTSIS.
Having lost two family members from drug overdose, Kennedy understands how addictions can affect families and communities.
She sees this walk as an opportunity to unite people and inspire hope in others.
“As we walk alongside each other, to hold space for our community members, we’re holding space for them to grow, to see their value, their worth, and how important they are to each and every one of us,” said Kennedy. “These are our people.”
There were over 100 people participating in the walk.
“I’m here for my mom,” said 15-year-old Rhea Anaquod Saulteux who was holding a sign that said, “Keep going. You can do it. I love you.”
“She has just struggled with addiction for many years, and she’s tried getting sober a couple of times, but drugs always seem to come back into her life, but I hope that she can try to get sober.”
Her mom is presently in a treatment program.
“(I feel) like, sometimes she doesn’t care about her kids because she’s not sober, but I know she does because she tried a couple of times,” said Anaquod Saulteaux. “If drugs weren’t there, I think that she could be around a lot more.”
Anaquod Saulteax encourages others to be patient with family members struggling with addiction.
“They will come to you one day and (they will) realize that it’s not going to help them. That’s not the way to get away from reality. You have to go through the emotions, and you have to go through your life to get through when drugs aren’t supposed to be there to get you through your life,” said Anaquod Saulteax.
Destinee Peter, from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, attended the event with her niece Rhea.
“It has been very difficult. She’s tried many times to get sober and just can’t continue, but I know that’s her coping mechanism. It’s just not an easy road to take and sometimes you fall off,” said Peter of her sister.
Peter attends the walk yearly and said, “This awareness walk means a lot to me…I know I can’t make my loved ones get better, so it’s my way of showing my support to my family that there are healthier ways.”
This year, the Regina Police Service (RPS) have seized 21 kilograms of illicit drugs.
“It’s really important for us all in the community to get together to show support,” said RPS Chief Davies. “Addictions affects everyone.”
From a police perspective, Chief Davies stated the RPS tackles the issue by holding those accountable who are bringing the drugs into the city, by helping the vulnerable be transported to safe-spots and by raising awareness.