Natives not only people drugs affect

Page 25

Alcohol and drug abuse are not limited to Native people, or to Alberta.

The self-destructive cycle of people in search of a high, of people seeking escape from a life they can't seem to tolerate, is reaching epidemic proportions in all age groups, at all economic levels, in all kinds of communities across North America and around the world.

Coverage of the Peerless Lake tragedy by the media in Edmonton might lead people to believe that this is only a Native problem, especially in isolated northern communities.

That is just not so. In the same week, the major newsmagazines "Time" and "Newsweek" had cover stories on drug abuse, clearly detailing how widespread the problem is.

Mass media coverage of reaction to the Peerless Lake tragedy (and our own coverage as well) does, however, point out a number of ways in which Native drug abuse, the problems associated with it, and potential solutions, are unique.

While 12-year-old Scotch or cocaine may be the poison of choice in executive and professional office and beer is the favorite of sports fans and the blue collar crowd, for the unemployed who have little or no money, cheap wine and anything else that will transport them to oblivion will suffice.

And while cocktail parties smothered in elegance and lines snorted through $100 bills are the preference of the elite, are they really any different that a lysol party in an alley in terms of the intention of the participants to escape reality?

Obviously, the motivation for self-destruction is not directly related to wealth and position in society.

That does not, however, reduce the need for a considerable improvement in the living conditions of Native people in isolated communities. As many have said in the aftermath of the Peerless Lake tragedy, there is a need for improved training, employment, educational and economic opportunity, social services and health care. There is also a need for improved social and recreational activity.

The roots of the problem and the solutions, are far deeper and far more complex.

What has led people to a place where they seek escape by any means possible, where they embark on a journey into oblivion without any idea of their destination, where whether or not they survive the experience is of little or no consequence

And what can be done to turn that around so they will battle tenaciously to preserve their lives, to seek and fulfill their maximum potential?

These are major, critical questions affecting many Native people in many communities. The search for answers has been pursued for many years by many caring people.

One thing is clear. We cannot give up the search, for the price being paid is far too great in human suffering and human lives.