After 300 km, drug overdose awareness walk comes to an end in Regina
Global News
After eight days and more than 350 kilometres, the second annual overdose awareness walk wrapped up in Regina.
It was a powerful march through downtown Regina, as members of Muskoday First Nation took to the streets to raise awareness surrounding crystal meth and fentanyl overdoses in the province.
After eight days and more than 350 kilometres, the second annual overdose awareness walk wrapped up in Regina.
Erica Hennie, one of the organizers of the event, said overdoses are often overlooked unless one happens to someone close to you.
“Overdoses have been plaguing Saskatchewan,” she said. “There is a lot of stigma around crystal meth and fentanyl overdoses. Nobody’s talking about it. We’re trying to bring awareness, open the dialogue, open the door so that people are more aware.”
She said for some in the Indigenous community, drug use is an escape from trauma and the challenges they are facing.
“It’s a ripple effect,” Hennie said. “A lot of people that are using these kinds of drugs, they are suffering traumas. Nobody wants to be an addict. Everybody just wants to live their life but because of generational traumas, it affects everybody.”
Fifteen people set off from Muskoday First Nation on the walk. Along the journey, members from other reserves or towns joined in the walk to support the cause.
“We have a lot of people that joined along the way. It didn’t matter if they took two steps or walked a mile. They took park and showed support.”