The Indigenous population is currently suffering from higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse due to Canada's systemic failures. Effects of drugs and alcohol are more harmful to Indigenous people because of harsh living conditions, intergenerational trauma, and discrimination that has been created and perpetuated in Canada.

Statistics:

In a 2012 study, the percentages of Indigenous people older than 12 years who reported smoking daily were:

• 27% of off-reserve First Nations
• 26% of Métis
• 49% of Inuit.

The comparable percentage for the non-Indigenous population was 15%. 

In a 2015 study in Hamilton, 42% of 554 First Nation adult participants were diagnosed with a mental disorder. Those mental disorders included:

• 39% depression
• 34% PTSD
• 41% suicide ideation
• 51% with past suicide attempts

Approximately 50% of these participants reported using marijuana in that past year, and 19% reported using cocaine and opiates.

In another 2012 study, the rate of heavy drinking (over 4 drinks during 1 occasion 12 months prior) for Indigenous people 12 years and older was: 

• 35% for off-reserve First Nations people
• 30% for Métis
• 39% for Inuit

At the time of the survey, only 23% of non-Indigenous people reported heavy drinking.

Petition Demands:

Signing this petition will demand the Ministry of Education to focus on teaching the following subjects to schools with a high number of Indigenous students:

• Importance of & influences on mental health (Students will have a better understanding and control on their mental health)
• Substance abuse consequences (Students will understand how important it is to avoid substances)
• Substance abuse impact on Indigenous people (Students will realize the harmful impacts of substance abuse on their communities and will not want to add to the problem)
• Causes behind Indigenous substance abuse (Students will more thoroughly understand the origin of their negative emotions and will feel a better sense of self-control)
• Current effective substance abuse treatments, including treatments for Indigenous people (Students will be aware of ways to help others or themselves if they abuse substances)

Substance abuse can ruin a person's living conditions and set a bad example for their children. Their children may repeat the same behaviour and create an intergenerational cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.

Please spread knowledge of this petition and the severity of substance abuse in the Indigenous population.

Canadian Substance Use Treatment Centres for Indigenous People: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1576090254932/1576090371511