This is the initial segment of a two-part feature on the drug predicament in BehchokÇ«Ì, N.W.T. The subsequent installment, focusing on resolutions and the path forward, is scheduled for publication on Thursday.
The escalating drug crisis in BehchokÇ«Ì is a growing concern for Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe, who is determined to confront the issue head-on. With over a year into her leadership role, she acknowledges the detrimental impact of the drug trade on the community.
“The situation is distressing for our community and our people,” she expressed. “Witnessing the distress affecting our families and friends is heartbreaking.”
BehchokÇ«Ì, the largest Indigenous community in the Northwest Territories with around 2,000 residents, is grappling with drug trafficking issues. Positioned along the highway leading to Yellowknife, the community faces multiple entry points, exacerbating the drug-related challenges.
Rabesca Zoe and other community members provided insights to CBC on the prevailing drug crisis, shedding light on the social repercussions, the prevalent substances, and avenues for recovery.
Crisis Escalation
Addressing the drug trade is a top priority for Rabesca Zoe due to its far-reaching implications, including housing instability and undeniable societal impacts.
She recounted distressing incidents such as young girls engaging in illicit activities to sustain drug habits. Additionally, instances of elder abuse have surfaced, with vulnerable individuals being exploited, leading to dire consequences.
MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong, a resident of BehchokÇ«Ì, echoed concerns about the worsening crisis, emphasizing the emergence of drug dealing among women, including mothers and expectant mothers. The proliferation of prostitution raises apprehensions about the surge in sexually transmitted infections.
The adverse effects extend to children, who are adversely affected by the drug crisis, resulting in disrupted education and child welfare interventions.
Presence of Contaminated Drugs
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola highlighted a concerning trend in the drug supply chain, with an increase in contaminated substances post-COVID-19 pandemic. Crack cocaine remains the predominant illicit drug in BehchokÇ«Ì, although wastewater analysis has revealed a diverse array of substances.
Stimulants, primarily cocaine with sporadic methamphetamine traces, constitute a significant portion of the detected substances. Opioids, including fentanyl, and hallucinogens like mushrooms, are also prevalent, with emerging synthetic opioids posing additional risks.
Consumers face heightened risks given the uncertain drug composition, with recent instances of undetectable synthetic opioids detected in samples, underscoring the unreliability of the drug supply.
The lack of community-level data on non-fatal overdoses in BehchokÇ«Ì poses challenges in monitoring the full extent of the drug-related health crisis.
Path to Recovery
Despite the prevailing challenges, individuals like Jordan Wanazah have embarked on the journey to sobriety. Treatment data indicates a substantial number of addiction therapy visits, reflecting efforts to combat substance abuse in the community.
Wanazah, a former BehchokÇ«Ì resident now residing in Calgary, underscores the importance of personal determination in