A group of resolute walkers is trekking down Highway 6 from Muskoday First Nation to the Legislature in Regina to bring attention to the fentanyl crisis, not only in their home nation, but across the province and the country.
Erica Hennie and Betty Prosper are among over a dozen walkers who set out from their home on Monday, June 9. Originally from La Ronge, Hennie works at the Muskoday Health Centre, and Prosper is a former addictions counsellor. Discover Humboldt caught up with the group north of Watson on Highway 6.
“Today, we are doing our third annual walk for fentanyl awareness and all other addictions,” explained Hennie. “We left Muskoday on Monday at 10:00 am and we’re on our way to the Regina Legislative Building.”
The plan is to arrive in Regina on Monday, June 16 and to meet with NDP MLA for Saskatoon Centre Betty Nippi-Albright on June 17.
The walk was born out of a strong desire by Betty Prosper to support those who are struggling with addictions and bring a strong voice about the crisis that has taken so many lives.
“There’s a lot of hurting, not just in my community, but in all the communities we pass through,” Betty said. “There are a lot of deaths related to fentanyl overdose, and there are just not enough people out there to help. Some people are not ready to hear what someone is asking. So, we walk in hopes of helping them to reach out.”
The crisis is more severe than many people perceive, Betty explained. She said that one of the walkers keeps a ready supply of naloxone, the fast-acting medication that temporarily reverses the impact of opioid poisoning. At nights, the caregiver will receive a knock at the door, and he is ready to provide the medication with no questions asked. None of these episodes are reported.
“If it’s not reported, then there are no stats on it,” Erica said, and consequently, the scope of the problem is much larger than what standard health reporting would reveal. “We see this is a problem right across Saskatchewan, right across Canada. We’re trying to bring awareness to people so they can start talking about it, opening that dialogue. It affects everyone, no matter what nation we come from.”
The impact of addiction extends beyond the user into the family who works to support their loved one in the face of denial and stigma.
“It impacts us on a daily basis because we are continuously wondering what’s going to happen,” Erica said. “Am I going to hear of a death; is the RCMP going to come and see me; is it going to be my child? These things go through our heads every day as we try to figure out how we can help everybody.”
The hope is that the meeting with the NDP MLA will produce results given that the promises made by the government at a previous meeting were not met, explained Prosper. Betty says the Opposition helped to set up supports for the group and that “they are walking with us” in spirit.
Walkers included members from Muskoday First Nation and James Smith First Nations, as well as a guest walker from Abbotsford, BC. Walkers from Kawacatoose First Nation are set to join, and indeed walkers are welcome to join the cause from anywhere.
Betty Prosper delivered this heartfelt message as the group prepared to embark on the journey once again.
“If you’re sober, I’m proud of you. If you or your loved ones are in addictions, please reach out.”
To find out more and to follow the journey, go to the groups Facebook page: Crystal Meth and Fentanyl Awareness.