TORONTO — First Nations people in Ontario are dying from opioids at a rate of nine times higher than the rest of the province, according to a new report.
The study, which was co-authored by researchers at the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network also found other indicators, including hospital visits from opioid toxicity, starting the use of safer supply, and prescription of opioid agonist therapy (like methadone and suboxone) were also significantly higher among First Nations people in Ontario.
“There's a lot of (stigmatization) in addictions and opiate addictions,” Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict told Newswatch in an interview. “This report highlights those disparities that are between non-First Nation and First Nation (people).”
“We continue to call on governments for investments into opiate addiction treatment awareness programming,” he continued.
“And for First Nations, it needs to be programming that is either already in existence but needs continued resources, or that programming continues to evolve and adapt to culturally appropriate programming for First Nations.”
Researchers found that in 2022 (the most recent year of data), the rate of deaths due to opioid toxicity was 12.8 per 10,000 people in the First Nations population, compared to 1.4 among non-First Nation Ontarians. “Although increased rates of opioid-related toxicity deaths were seen among First Nations and non-First Nations, the rates were much higher and increasing more rapidly among First Nations people,” said the report, which tracked data back to 2018.
The rate of opioid-related deaths for First Nations people in the province tripled between 2019 and 2022, the report found.
As for hospitalizations, the report said that since 2015 those rates “began to increase among all populations,” and that “the increase was most rapid among First Nations people compared to non-First Nations people — particularly those living outside of First Nations communities.”
In 2023, the most recent year of data in the report, it found that the rate of hospitalization was 69.7 per 10,000 people in the First Nations population, or roughly 10 times higher than the rest of Ontario, and that, among First Nations people, that rate was “highest for First Nations people living outside of First Nations communities.”
The report pointed to factors such as colonization, anti-Indigenous racism, barriers to health care access, “and the continued trauma from residential schools and the child welfare system,” for the disparities.
It did also highlight ways in which communities themselves are attempting to tackle the issue.
“Many First Nations communities have created culturally appropriate, community-based programs aimed at reducing the harms of opioid use and supporting individuals with (opioid use disorder),” the report said, highlighting initiatives like land-based programming, “which draw from the deep connection of First Nations people to their land and heritage, aim to strengthen mental health, enhance cultural identity, build self-esteem and foster a strong sense of belonging.”
“Many communities have different models that exist for supporting families, supporting those addicted and ensuring that it's successful,” Benedict said.
“Provincial and federal governments must collaborate with First Nations to create on a comprehensive strategy that shifts focus from punitive measures towards culturally sensitive and spiritually informed supports to address mental health and substance use challenges,” said a media release announcing the report.
“To avert further tragedies, swift action is essential in ensuring that treatment and harm reduction services are accessible and adequately funded for all First Nations.”
The regional chief added that continued government support into the opioid crisis is paramount.
“There continues to be an overwhelming need, whether it be for First Nations or non-First Nations, for programming for opiate addiction,” Benedict said.