Solutions to high-risk substance use summit concludes in Regina

A summit focusing on solutions to high-risk substance abuse was held at the First Nations University of Canada. Mick Favel reports.

Possible solutions on high-risk substance use from an Indigenous perspective was the focus of a two-day summit hosted by the First Nations University of Canada in Regina.

The summit, called Transforming Pain into Power with sâkihitowin & âhkamêyimowin, invited knowledge keepers, academics, students, and community leaders from across the continent to explore strategies.

The Compassionate Intervention Act is now before the legislature in Saskatchewan. Alberta is constructing a similar act, which will give doctors, police, and family members the power to petition the courts to force an adult into involuntarily treatment if they are believed to be a danger to themselves or others.

A team of researchers who will be looking at the Alberta legislation and its possible outcomes presented at the summit.

“What we do know about the data, it’s overwhelmingly that there is no real evidence that it’s helpful. Of course, there is not a lot of studies because of ethical concerns,” said Dr. Ginetta Salvataggio, a physician taking part in the research.

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Salvataggio said there are major concerns with the involuntary treatment, including patient safety, as well as patient’s trust in the healthcare system going forward. The level of deadly drugs on the streets is also a major concern.

“We need to maintain good relationships with people who use drugs, and I worry this gets in the way of those relationships. I do worry it is not going in an evidence-based direction,” she said.

Representatives from Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre, Battlefords Treatment Centre and Eagle Sky Healing Lodge participated in a panel discussion.

Meeting patients where they are at is common strategy between the centres in understanding the needs of the clients they work with.

Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre is located in Alberta and uses an Indigenous focus on addressing substance misuse.

“It’s seeing that person that is suffering and offering empathy. Having a conversation with that person so they are feeling valued as a human being,” said Darlene Marcheuk, the clinical director at Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre.

In 2024, the program opened a centre in Saskatchewan.

With a high need of treatment beds needed in the province, anyone seeking help is welcomed at Poundmaker’s.

“North Battleford, Swift Current, Yorkton. We are doing everything we can and are proactive,” said Libby Szarka, the special projects manager of Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre.