Attendance was low for events organized to mark International Overdose Awareness Day in Maple Ridge, but that didn't stop organizers from getting their message out.
A documentary screening on the Thursday evening of the film 'Toxic', a look at the opioid crisis on the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, prior to the main event on Saturday, only had 40 people in the audience, even though 100 tickets had been reserved.
Jerrica Hackett, project coordinator with Stop Overdose Ridge Meadows, said traffic accidents across the Lower Mainland may have impacted attendance.
"Many of our events tend to have more community partners, peers and volunteers than they do attendees. And while we would continue to host these events even if attendance didn’t increase, because the folks who work and fight for change in this industry need our support to fuel them," she told those who did make it out.
On Saturday, Hackett said, there may have been about 40 people in Memorial Peace Park listening to the speeches at the International Overdose Awareness Day, (IOAD), event.
"The IOAD event saw folks milling in and out though, although I would say it was drastically less busy than the Farmer's market or the BIA market," she said.
Hackett spoke to those gathered, comparing the challenges with the opioid crisis today to the harmful effects of alcohol prohibition and how it let to organized crime, unsafe drinking conditions, and a societal divide.
"The intentions behind prohibition were grounded in a desire to protect people, but the outcome was far from what was envisioned. It fuelled stigma, shame, and ultimately, more loss. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation with the criminalization of drugs," she said, telling the crowd that this approach has not only failed to address the root causes of substance use but has also exacerbated the challenges faced by those who need help the most.
"The stigma and shame associated with drug use create barriers to accessing support, increase isolation, and drive people into the shadows where the risks are even greater. We must ask ourselves: are we truly protecting our community with these policies, or are we repeating the mistakes of the past?"
Katzie Elder Colleen Pierre performed a traditional welcome for guests at the event, and Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Bob D'Eith, who lost his brother to a toxic drug overdose, also addressed the crowd.
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Lisa Beare was in attendance.
City of Maple Ridge Councillor Onyeka Dozie shared his thoughts, along with the guest of honour, international advocate Guy Felicella, who shared his story about his struggles with addiction. Councillor Judy Dueck was also in attendance but did not speak.
Then there was an open mic portion. Two local mothers talked about losing their sons to the opioid drug crisis, including Debbie Picco who lost her son Tommy Picco to an overdose in October, 2020. Picco now helps organize the Maple Ridge Streat Outreach Society.
Another mother sang a song about her pain from losing her daughter to the crisis, and several others people spoke who have lived experience, or who have been impacted by the crisis in some way.
Organizations in attendance with resource booths included: Alouette Addictions, Unlocking the Gates, Fraser Health, Youth Emergency Shelter (St. Leonards), Foundry, Food for the Soul, Salvation Army, Elder Rosie White Elk Medicine Woman (Traditional Sacred Medicines Healing Tent- hosted by ST.O.R.M.), and Coast Mental Health.
They also unveiled their new 'Compassion Cruiser', a vending bike converted to distribute harm reduction supplies and community resource information to those in need.
Hackett said people must push for evidence-based practices that treat substance use as a health issue, not a criminal one.
"Harm reduction, safe consumption spaces, decriminalization, and safe supply are not just strategies – they are lifelines that can prevent unnecessary deaths. They are the tools we need to break down the barriers of stigma and create pathways of hope."
