Overview
Many community and First Nations' groups engaged in the response to methamphetamine received grants made available under the provincial government's Crystal Meth Strategy. As part of the funding committed by Premier Gordon Campbell in September 2005,
$2 million was dedicated to community organizations. This funding was distributed to 160 organizations providing 190 communities across the province with resources to address the use and production of crystal methamphetamine. For a list of organizations that recieved grants see Provincial Government Crystal Meth Program Grants 2006. 
The Crystal Meth Strategy supports projects and initiatives that respond to the specific dynamics of methamphetamine use in individual communities. The Crystal Meth Secretariat is building upon the strong response of communities to the grant program by providing these organizations with networking opportunities and access to resources and research. The goal is to create a prevention network by providing opportunity for community-based meth groups to gather together to share information and make connections.
In May 2007, a number of Vancouver Island communities and First Nation groups attended the Building Community Strategy Conference held in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Additional networking events will occur in other regions of the province to ensure more groups have the opportunity to network and share experiences on how they are working to fight crystal meth. Below are some examples of what community and First Nation groups have done to combat crystal meth in their community.
Kitimat-Stikine Regional District
The Kitimat-Stikine Regional District partnered with the City of Terrace, District of Kitimat, District of Stewart, District of New Hazelton, and the Village of Hazelton to develop a regional district-wide project. Local government leaders, First Nations, educators, addictions counsellors, youth leaders, emergency services, police, and healthcare providers worked together to establish an advisory committee and move the project forward.
Community partners included, but were not limited to local First Nations, RCMP, the School District, Chambers of Commerce, Fire and Ambulance Services and service providers.
As part of the project, “Meth Watch” programs were established for Hazelton, new Hazelton, Kitimat and Terrace. In partnership with the RCMP, the DARE program and Drug Awareness program were taken to the elementary schools and community educational sessions were held. Forums and other presentations were also held for youth and adult participants and in local government and First Nations communities.
The participation of Alcan Primary Metals as a corporate sponsor allowed the project to expand and include an “Experts in Drug Addiction” community awareness campaigns and forums. A partnership with BC Ambulance facilitated an educational session that trained first responders to deal with violent Crystal Meth clients.
Eagle Seekers – Aboriginal Youth Meth Awareness Project (Kamloops)
The White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society and Resource Centre 'Eagle Seekers' Project was geared towards Aboriginal youth and the prevention of crystal methamphetamine use. The organization recognized that many Aboriginal communities continue to deal with the effects of loss of culture, traditions, and spiritual ways and that drug or alcohol use is often a means of dealing with these losses. The society found that Aboriginal youth were often in a cultural crisis – attempting to find a place to fit in and discover their identity – and were often turning to Crystal Meth as a result.
The Eagle Seekers project was two-pronged. Events were held for youth, parents and caregivers by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies that work with youth. The events provided education and awareness regarding methamphetamine use and production and key presenters included:
- RCMP – to address legal issues;
- Public Health – to address physical and mental health issues;
- First Nations elder – to address the cultural perspective: and
- A previously addicted youth who told us his story.
Youth focus groups were held as a prelude to the Aboriginal youth and caregivers’ workshops and a “Fast Facts Booklet” was developed. The booklet is geared towards youth, caregivers and parents and included information on methamphetamine, the effects of use, signs that someone is using crystal meth, youth stories, and community and on-line resources.
Crystal Meth Task Force (South Okanagan)
The South Okanagan Crystal Meth Task Force was a collaborative project supported by the Towns of Oliver and Osoyoos. The Steering Committee that determined the action plan for the Task Force included representatives from the Town of Oliver, Interior health Authority, the Town of Osoyoos, Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre and Victims Services. Input was also provided by the local School District and the RCMP, and strong support was received from the local media. All members of the Task Force received relevant training and a project coordinator was hired to carry out activities initiated by the Task Force.
Programming was aimed at multiple audiences. A Drug Education Series included panel discussions and speakers. The production “Cranked” was presented at the Community Centre. Youth were engaged with a logo design contest for the Task Force, and an essay contest invited submissions from youth and adults. Media coverage, print materials and websites increased awareness of the issue and the Osoyoos Girls Outdoor Adventure leadership group took an active role in developing a pamphlet “For Parents, By Youth”.
United Native Nations Local 560 (Port Alberni)
The United Native Nations Local 560 in Port Alberni is an example of a First Nations group that was very successful in establishing a community task force. When determining the scope of their project, a great deal of research was undertaken to determine the range of existing resources and gaps in the provision of services that specifically considered the challenges of First Nations people struggling with addictions.
The UNN recognized that there were a number of groups working on related issues, but that there was very limited cooperation between them. By communicating with representatives from these groups, as well as with addicted members of the community, they were able to determine the focus of the task force.
The task force was created to ensure participation from a diverse group of people and to ensure the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical needs of the people with addictions were addressed. Educators and community leaders, emotional counselling service providers, and spiritual and cultural groups were all invited to take part in the task force.
A level of trust was established with those struggling with addictions, and the task force provided an opportunity to view video presentations and participate in workshops. A Youth Action Committee to look at a local crime prevention strategy is currently underway.
The Task Force, in cooperation with the UNN continues to provide various programs and services aimed at reducing addiction within the community.
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