Squamish Nation declares state of emergency after deaths linked to toxic drug supply

A state of emergency has been declared by the Squamish Nation over the drug crisis, the nation says family members are mourning the loss of loved ones in the community.

in a letter Address to members of the Squamish Nation On Thursday, the Council of Nations said the emergency was an urgent call to action.

“In recent weeks and months, our community has been deeply harmed by the toxic drug crisis. These harms affect every family, every neighborhood, and every part of our country,” the letter says.

The Squamish Nation did not disclose the number of deaths caused by the toxic drugs.

“We hold out our hands to all the families and loved ones who are grieving. We mourn with you. Our people have suffered too much loss for too long,” the letter said.

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According to the letter, the emergency response will strengthen measures to address drug trafficking and unsafe activity on the country’s reserves.

This includes enforcing tenancy and safety standards, including eviction for individuals who “engage in dangerous or criminal activity that puts community members at risk.”

A task force composed of Squamish Nation administration, council and community members is being formed to plan culturally-based, land-based treatments and treatment options.

Funds from the Squamish Nation Emergency Fund will support this work over the next four months.

“These actions are being taken to strengthen community safety, protect our people, and create a path toward long-term healing based on Squamish teachings and values,” the council says.

‘Top priority’ for the government

In an emailed statement, BC’s First Nations Health Authority said the unregulated drug supply in BC remains highly potent, unpredictable and dangerous.

“The toxic drug public health emergency is disproportionately impacting First Nations individuals, families and communities,” the email said.

A spokesperson said that, in the first half of 2025, the death rate from toxic drug poisoning among First Nations people in the Vancouver Coastal Health region was 10.6 times higher than other residents.

The spokesperson said the disparities were due to the “ongoing effects of colonialism” on First Nations people and experiences of intergenerational trauma.

These included the impact of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop and the removal of children from indigenous communities.

In an email to CBC News, the Health Ministry said addressing the toxic drug crisis remains a top priority for the government.

A spokesperson said, “The important thing is that First Nations, Indigenous peoples and communities need programs and services that meet their specific needs.”

The ministry said it would not stop working until communities were safe, healthy and free from “the devastation of this crisis.”

Drug Alert in Squamish

Vancouver Coastal Health issued a drug alert for Squamish and Powell River on December 2, which includes parts of Squamish Nation territory.

Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, VCH’s deputy chief medical health officer, said he’s seen a real increase in overdoses across the region over the past few weeks.

“This increase in overdose events is linked to the detection of a new contaminant in the drug supply. It is called MedetomidineIt’s a veterinary tranquilizer,” Lisishin said,

Contaminants were being seen in the drug supply for the past few years, but now it is very toxicThe officer explained.

“It causes prolonged unconsciousness, sometimes decreased heart rate, and this is actually being found more and more often now with opioids,” Lisishin said.

He advises that people should not use it alone and get their medications checked at an overdose prevention site.

“People really need to take steps to protect themselves,” Lisishin said.