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Tiny communities in B.C.’s Chilcotin grappling with pain of drug poisonings

Tsideldel, Xeni Gwet’in chiefs say residents are healing in the face of addiction
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As of March 31, 2024 BC Emergency Health Services has responded to 54 drug poisonings in the Williams Lake area. (Monica Lamb-Yorski file photo Williams Lake Tribune)

First Nations communities west of Williams Lake are grieving the loss of three community members due to drug poisonings recently.

Chief Otis Guichon Sr. of Tsideldel said two young individuals died early Saturday, April 4 in his small, rural community.

“They both left behind young children,” he said, noting the deaths are leaving him at a loss for words to say.

“We do have a good team on staff who do the best they can to help families in the community.

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Monica Lamb-Yorski

About the Author: Monica Lamb-Yorski

A B.C. gal, I was born in Alert Bay, raised in Nelson, graduated from the University of Winnipeg, and wrote my first-ever article for the Prince Rupert Daily News.
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