Home / Health / First Nation Launches Youth Addiction Program
First Nation Launches Youth Addiction Program
16 Jul
Summary
- Seabird Island created a new substance-use program for young adults.
- The program combines Indigenous teachings with clinical treatment.
- It aims to support Indigenous youth transitioning between care systems.
A First Nation in B.C.'s Fraser Valley has introduced a pioneering substance-use treatment program tailored for young adults, integrating Indigenous wisdom with professional medical support. Seabird Island, in collaboration with Fraser Health and the B.C. government, established the Thíytelh Wellness Program. This initiative will soon welcome Indigenous applicants aged 19 to 26 into its intensive 90-day, six-spot program.
The program addresses critical gaps for Indigenous youth, offering culturally relevant support through community and land-based practices. This approach is designed for individuals navigating the transition from youth services to adult care, a group often at risk of falling through the system. The initiative seeks to offer a new method of addiction care, drawing on traditional teachings.
First Nations continue to be disproportionately impacted by the toxic drug crisis, with a significant number of overdose deaths occurring among adults under 40. The Thíytelh Wellness Program is a direct response to calls for more culturally informed treatment options, aiming to change the trajectory of young lives by providing timely and appropriate support.
