Blood Tribe Drug Harm Reduction Project hosts Day of Prayer & Remembrance
Photo Essay by Blaire Russell – Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement
April 14, 2023
On April 5, 2023, the Blood Tribe Drug Harm Reduction Project hosted ‘Aatsimoyihkaan – Day of
Prayer & Remembrance for Loved Ones Lost to The Opioid Crisis’ at the Spirit of Hope Community House in Standoff, Alberta. The purpose of the candlelight vigil event was to honour and raise awareness of the losses due to the opioid crisis on the Blood Reserve.
Blood Tribe councillor Richard Red Crow states “Through prayer, through love, we can get through this [Opioid Crisis]”. Richard shared his story of overcoming his own struggles and losses through prayer and family support. Councillor Red Crow stressed that a safe home like Spirit of Hope Community House is needed in every community as it provides support to those that need addictions support.
A memorial event and potluck will be held on Sunday April 16, 2023, at the Moses Lake Community Gymnasium. The memorial is being held to honour and celebrate our loved ones that have passed on due to drug poisoning. The potluck event will have food, music, and an open mic for all to share and remember our Tribe members that have left us through addictions and the families that carry their stories and memories. The event is open to anyone that would like to attend and will start at approximately 3:00 PM.
