Work begins on Cat Lake drug addiction issue

The coordinator of Cat Lake First Nation’s efforts to deal with prescription drug abuse in the community says meaningful work has begun.
Erin Horvath of New Vision, a not-for-profit community development organization, said the Feb. 10 meeting between stakeholders was a productive start towards community healing.
“We’re strategizing how to work together to support the community,” Horvath said.
Cat Lake Chief Matthew Keewaykapow declared a state of emergency on Jan. 23, as drug addictions in the community had crippled provision of essential services and compromised the community’s safety.
An estimated 70 to 80 per cent of the community is addicted to prescription drugs.
The Feb. 10 meeting brought Cat Lake chief and council together with representatives from both federal and provincial governments, as well as a number of other organizations.
Horvath said the group is working towards the establishment of an intensive community wellness plan.
She said the group is planning a week-long community session in Cat Lake sometime in March to identify what the community is looking for in terms of healing.