Decolonizing Substance Use & Addiction | Len Pierre | TEDxSFU

Summary

Len Pierre, a Coast Salish educator and knowledge keeper, discusses the overdose crisis in Indigenous communities, highlighting the disproportionate impact on Indigenous people who make up a small portion of the population but account for a significant percentage of overdose deaths. He emphasizes the need for decolonization in addressing substance use, unpacking historical events like residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and land theft as root causes of addiction. Pierre calls for de-stigmatization, a rethinking of language, and a shift away from failed prohibition policies toward decriminalization and healing, urging a compassionate and informed approach to the crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 First Nations people represent 3% of the population in British Columbia but make up over 13% of overdose deaths, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the overdose crisis on Indigenous communities.
• 😀 Decolonization is about dismantling cultural barriers that separate and oppress people, particularly in the context of addiction and substance use.
• 😀 The speaker, Len Pierre, defines decolonization as the bridging of Indigenous and Western worldviews, with a focus on healing and understanding complex issues like addiction from an Indigenous perspective.
• 😀 Addiction is not a choice. It's a response to trauma, grief, and loss caused by historical colonial events such as residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and land theft.
• 😀 The overdose crisis is often portrayed in the media as being confined to marginalized groups, such as those in large cities or experiencing homelessness. This narrative oversimplifies the problem and ignores its wider societal impacts.
• 😀 Stigma surrounding substance use thrives on misinformation, discriminatory language, and harmful policies. Dismantling these stigmas is a key part of addressing the overdose crisis.
• 😀 The residues of colonialism, such as fear, shame, and learned helplessness, still impact Indigenous communities today, influencing the high rates of substance use and addiction.
• 😀 Prohibition of substances is a failed policy. Historical examples, such as alcohol prohibition in the U.S., demonstrate that banning substances only leads to more harm and stronger, more dangerous alternatives.
• 😀 Using dehumanizing language like 'addict' or 'junkie' perpetuates stigma and reinforces harmful stereotypes. Instead, we should use people-first language (e.g., 'people who use substances') to emphasize humanity over behavior.
• 😀 Decriminalizing substance use, rather than continuing a punitive approach, is essential for addressing addiction in a compassionate, effective way. Countries around the world, including Canada, are moving toward drug decriminalization as a more humane alternative.

Q & A

What is the central issue Len Pierre addresses in his talk?

Len Pierre addresses the overdose crisis in British Columbia, focusing on the disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities. He explores this issue through the lens of decolonization and the importance of destigmatizing substance use.

Why does Len Pierre emphasize the difference between addiction and substance use?

Len Pierre emphasizes the difference to clarify that addiction is not a choice but a response to trauma and social conditions. By separating addiction from substance use, he aims to challenge stigmatizing narratives that label individuals as 'addicts' or 'users.'

How does Len Pierre link the overdose crisis to historical colonial events?

Pierre argues that the overdose crisis is rooted in colonialism, highlighting three major events: residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and land theft. These events have caused trauma and loss of identity in Indigenous communities, which contribute to addiction and substance use.

What are the 'residues' left behind by colonial events like residential schools and the Sixties Scoop?

The residues left behind include fear of authority, shame, learned helplessness, loss of identity, isolation, and trauma. These residual effects create a sense of hopelessness, which can fuel substance use as a coping mechanism.

Why does Len Pierre say that stigma is a major barrier to addressing substance use?

Pierre asserts that stigma prevents open discussions about substance use, causing people to avoid seeking help due to fear of judgment. He emphasizes the need to de-stigmatize substance use in order to save lives and foster more supportive communities.

What role does misinformation play in the overdose crisis?

Misinformation, such as myths about drug dealers or the effectiveness of prohibition, perpetuates harmful policies and public perceptions. Pierre argues that addressing misinformation is crucial for developing effective solutions to the overdose crisis.

How does Len Pierre propose we change the language used around substance use?

Pierre advocates for 'people-first' language, such as 'people who use drugs,' instead of dehumanizing terms like 'addicts' or 'junkies.' He believes that language shapes how we think and treat individuals, and that using respectful language fosters empathy and support.

What is the impact of prohibition policies on communities, according to Len Pierre?

Pierre explains that prohibition policies are rooted in racism and have historically targeted marginalized groups, including Indigenous people. These policies have failed to reduce substance use and instead exacerbated harm by driving drug use underground and increasing criminalization.

How does Len Pierre suggest addressing the overdose crisis through policy change?

Pierre advocates for the decriminalization of people who use substances, emphasizing that policies should focus on prevention, harm reduction, and treatment, rather than criminalization. He believes that the money spent on the 'war on drugs' could be better invested in supporting affected individuals.

What is the overarching message that Len Pierre wants to convey about healing in Indigenous communities?

Pierre encourages a shift towards healing through compassion, understanding, and decolonization. He calls for communities to engage in honest conversations about their trauma, reframe their experiences positively, and create inclusive, supportive environments to foster healing and recovery.