Assembly of First Nations passes Resolution on Akwesasne substance abuse crisis

AKWESASNE MOHAWK TERRITORY- The Assembly of First Nations lent its support to the community of Akwesasne in its urgent battle against drug abuse and chemical dependency. At the AFN’s Special Chiefs Assembly, held in Ottawa, Ontario on December 7, 2011, First Nations Chiefs passed by consensus a resolution supporting the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s declaration of a ‘State of Crisis’ due to the community’s alarming rate of substance abuse.

“Drug abuse has become an affliction for our youth at unprecedented levels,” stated Kanatakon District Chief Rachel Roundpoint, who was on hand when the AFN resolution was passed. Chief Roundpoint noted that, “The issue of substance abuse is even more alarming in Akwesasne due the multi-jurisdictional nature of the community.”

The lack of treatment facilities has prevented community members that are experiencing drug abuse from obtaining immediate services for crisis intervention, after care and family support. The resolution urges federal and provincial governments to support these measures by identifying funds and resources for community-based programming and services.

Akwesasne leaders recognize the urgency in dealing with drug abuse and the devastating impact it can have on a community. It was noted that communities suffering from high rates of drug addiction and chemical dependency have higher rates of suicides, violent crimes and other forms of abuses.

The MCA hopes that the AFN resolution will result in support and funding for culturally based, wholistic approaches to address substance abuse in Akwesasne. Practitioners of traditional medicines who utilize a mind, body and spirit approach in their treatment programs are not recognized or funded due to concerns of non-certification—though the result may be more successful than ‘modern-day’ approaches and treatments.

“Drug addiction and other substance abuse leads to the emotional and physical abuse of family members, especially our children and our elders,” stated Tsi Snaihne District Chief Karen Loran. She added, “As leaders, we need to address this community issue head-on, with or without the support of external governments.”

As a result, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has taken the initiative to develop a comprehensive approach in dealing with substance abuse and chemical dependency in Akwesasne. In collaboration with MCA departments and programs, a strategy is continuing to be developed and implemented in four key areas: Health and Promotion, Healthy Relationships, Reducing the Supply and the Continuum of Care.

Community focus meetings were held last year in each of Akwesasne’s northern districts to give community members an opportunity to identify concerns and contribute towards the strategy’s development.