St’át’imc Chiefs Council Declares State of Local Emergency Due to Toxic Drug Crisis

St’át’imc Chiefs Council Declares State of Local Emergency Due to Toxic Drug Crisis

Calls on Federal and Provincial Governments for Immediate Action to Address Crisis Claiming Lives Across St’át’imc Territory

17 July 2025 – St’át’imc Territory, BC – The St’át’imc Chiefs Council has declared a State of Local Emergency within the St’át’imc Nation due to the Toxic Drug Crisis which has resulted in significant loss of life in our communities. This Declaration encompasses all St’át’imc communities including Ts’kw’áylaxw, Xáxtsa, Xáxli’p, T’ít’q’et, N’Quatqua, Tsalálh, Xwísten, Sekw’el’wás, Samáhquam, Skátin and Líl’wat.

The toxic drug supply as has been reported presents statistics which are alarming and demand immediate action. First Nations people in BC die from toxic drug overdoses at a rate 6.7 times higher than other residents, with more than 2,500 lives lost to toxic drugs in BC in 2023 alone—the highest number ever recorded. The crisis is particularly acute in St’át’imc territory.

Since BC declared a public health emergency in 2016, more than 14,000 people have died due to the toxic drug supply. Despite provincial and federal commitments, the crisis continues to disproportionately impact First Nations communities who face barriers to accessing culturally appropriate treatment and harm reduction services.

Immediate Government Action Required

The St’át’imc Chiefs Council (SCC) is requesting urgent meetings with federal and provincial levels of government to address this emergency and prevent further loss of life in our communities. The SCC is calling for immediate responses from:

• Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, Province of British Columbia
• Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Province of British Columbia
• Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Government of Canada

The Declaration emphasizes that this is a Nation issue, not isolated to one community and calls on all levels of government creates accountability to work with the St’át’imc since funding streams and support systems already exist.

“The toxic drug crisis that we are experiencing today may be a cumulative impact regarding social determinants of health. As a Nation, we have experienced so much loss. We need to identify a path forward that will have the most positive impact on the health and wellness of our people. By self-determination and collaboration, now is the time to address immediate needs and identify long-term solutions,” said Chief Justin Kane, Chair of the SCC.

Constitutional and Legal Obligations

This Declaration invokes the Crown’s constitutional duty under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; Canada’s United Nations Declaration Act (UNDA), 2021 and British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). The emergency demands immediate government consultation and accommodation to address the crisis affecting St’át’imc peoples’ inherent rights to health, safety, and cultural survival.

Background

The St’át’imc Nation urges immediate engagement and commitment to action from federal and provincial government.

The Declaration comes as the federal government has closed its Emergency Treatment Fund specifically designed to support First Nations communities facing urgent needs related to the toxic drug crisis.

The St’át’imc Chiefs Council emphasizes that solutions must be St’át’imc-led and respect the Nation’s sovereignty and traditional governance structures.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information:

Cait Cameron
Policy Advisor
St’át’imc Chiefs Council
ccameron@statimcgs.org

For background information:

• BC Coroners Service: Over 2,500 lives lost to toxic drugs in BC in 2023
• First Nations Health Authority: First Nations people die at 6.7 times the rate of other BC residents
• Federal Emergency Treatment Fund: $150 million provided for Indigenous communities and municipalities
• Castanet Kamloops: Provincial data shows Lillooet has second-highest overdose death rate in BC at 116 per 100,000

The St’át’imc Nation encompasses eleven communities located throughout the Fraser Canyon, Bridge River Valley, and surrounding territories in south-central British Columbia. The St’át’imc people have inhabited these territories since time immemorial and continue to exercise their inherent rights and jurisdiction over their traditional lands.