Culture-centred Indigenous harm reduction: Mitigating the impacts of colonialism

The ongoing impacts of colonization continue to affect the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples, evident in the disproportionate rates of toxic drug poisonings and deaths experienced by Indigenous people as compared to non-Indigenous people. Addressing the harms related to substance use in these communities involves acknowledging and reducing the harms of colonialism, while emphasizing and building upon the strengths and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. 

In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, award-winning journalist David P. Ball speaks with the Medical Officer of Mental Health and Wellness at First Nations Health Authority, Dr. Nolan Hop Wo, on how colonialism and substance use are related. We also hear from Lacey Jones, Program Director of QomQem Coastal Connections, on strengths-based approaches to reducing the harms associated with colonialism. 

You can find additional resources and clinical pearls from the episode in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E1

Artwork by Brianna Bear