04/23/2026
On April 14th, 2026 Soonats'ooneh Community Health Centre, The Prince George Community Action Team, Moms Stop the Harm, Indigenous Wellness Canada, and Broken Hearts of Fentanyl, along with dozens of community members gathered in wake of the 10-Year Anniversary of the Declaration of the public health emergency known as the Toxic Drug Crisis. Since the declaration in 2016, well over 18,000 British Columbians have lost their lives - over 615 of those loved ones are from Prince George.
Elders, parents, children, spouses, peers, healthcare workers, community support service workers, advocates, and media stood in grief and solidarity in a demonstration at the intersection of Highways 16 & 97. Stories of loved ones were shared, love and support were felt, and rage and advocacy radiated from the crowd.
In alliance with the BC Coalition of Organizations By/For People who Use Drugs a poem, "Ten & Counting" written by the coalition, was read line by line by members of this gathering. The poem was read at events like this across the province and calls to action where stated with frustration for how little has been done by policy makers to create true healing paths out of this crisis.
Thank you to all who attended, honked your horn/waved, and supported this event. It means the world to the families living with the loss of a loved one and the individuals who are surviving the toxic supply day after day, year after year.
Let us look to a future where compassion and love flourish and where politicians and policy makers make evidence-based decisions that are proven to save lives.
