Oneida Hosts International Overdose Awareness Event
On August 30, 2024, Oneida came together for an International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) event at the Oneida Community Centre. Cultural teachings and understandings were a foundation piece of the gathering that sought to raise awareness about the impact of overdosing and honor those affected within the community.
The event was facilitated by Vanessa Martin, a Wellness Worker, who guided the proceedings with respect for the community’s healing journey. Shea-Lynn Barberstock, also a Wellness Worker, spoke on the importance of community support and mental health, emphasizing traditional values of caring and compassion.
Tara McIntyre, a Substance Use Counsellor from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), also shared valuable insights, offering professional perspectives on substance use, identification, and recovery.
A deeply moving presentation was given by Sarah Patriquin, a member of the Bear Clan from Oneida. Sarah, who is a Two-Spirited Indigenous artist and the Director of the Somerset Recovery Program, shared her lived experiences and challenges with addiction, offering hope and resilience to those in attendance.
The event featured powerful performances by Lacey Hill, an Oneida/Mohawk singer-songwriter from Six Nations, Wolf Clan, whose music captivated the audience, and The Oneida Women Singers also performed traditional songs, weaving another layer of our culture into the gathering.
The evening included candlelit vigil during Lacey Hill’s final performance, offering a moment of reflection, remembrance, and unity for all those present.
This event stood as a testament to the strength, healing, and solidarity within the Oneida.
Special thanks were given to Regional HIV/AIDS Connect for providing the CMO with fentanyl testing strips, which are now available at local health centers. Additionally, thanks were extended to the CMO Cultural Harm Reduction Worker and the SOAHAC Harm Reduction Care Coordinator for supplying Naloxone kits, harm reduction materials, and training throughout the event.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or addictions, you’re not alone. Please contact one of these local supports for assistance:
- Oneida Health Centre – 519-652-0500
- Oneida Healing Lodge 24/7 line – 519-652-0657
- Reach Out – 519-433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023
- Connex Ontario – 1-866-531-2600
- CMO Cultural Harm Reduction Team – 519-289-0544
- SOAHAC Harm Reduction Team – 1-877-454-0753
- OAHAS (Ontario Aboriginal AIDS/HIV Strategy) – 647-490-6339
- Regional HIV/AIDS Services – 519-434-1601
