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The Emerging Issue of Crystal Methamphetamine Use in First Nations Communities A Discussion Paper

First Nations Centre
May 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION PART I CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE: WHAT IS IT? WHO USES CRYSTAL METH HOW CRYSTAL METH IS USED HOW CRYSTAL METH IS MADE HOW CRYSTAL METH AFFECTS THE BODY, MIND, RELATIONSHIPS AND
THE ENVIRONMENT

PART II GOVERNMENT, ORGANIZED CRIME AND THE PHARMACEUTICAL
INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES CRYSTAL METH AND ILLEGAL DRUG STRATEGIES IN CANADA FIRST NATIONS AND CRYTAL METH TREATMENT STRATEGIES

PART III TALA TOOTOOSIS’ STORY CRYSTAL METH ON …show more content…

The role that these entities play in activities surrounding the production and sale of crystal methamphetamine—with an emphasis on issues related to First
Nations— is articulated. First Nations crystal meth treatment strategies are also examined. Part III, aspires to put a ‘human face’ on the rising problem of crystal methamphetamine addiction in First Nations communities. Tala Tootoosis’ (Plains Cree/Nakota) story is briefly stated and the crystal meth addiction situation across the border on the Navajo
Nation is commented upon. These examples aim to illustrate how crystal meth addiction has negatively affected a First Nations individual and the devastating impact the drug has had on one Native American community. It is important to recognize from the outset of this paper that crystal methamphetamine is not a First Nations specific problem and should not be perceived as one. Some communities have a problem with it, while others do not. This does not, however, mean that communities and leadership should not be proactive and on the forefront of this emerging issue. This important observation was provided at a workshop by the prevention Awareness and Community Education (P.A.C.E) team —based out of the
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT). P.A.C.E was founded on the principles that education and awareness are key measures in protecting First Nations communities against the

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