It took a while for Tammy Forget to get out of bed and carry on with her day after her son’s death.
Logan Reeve was just 15-years-old when he died on April 6, 2012, from an apparent drug overdose.
“It is hard,” Forget said. “I lost my son to the overdose crisis and my husband and then my boyfriend.”
It has been six years since B.C. declared a public health emergency due to a significant rise in opioid-related overdose deaths.
Since then, the increasingly toxic illicit drug supply has claimed the lives of more than 9,400 British Columbians.
In her son’s memory, the female provincial Indigenous representative with the BC/Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors and harm reduction coordinator with the Wild Women of the North Society has spearheaded a free weekend of cultural activities and spiritual healing.
The three-day wellness event taking place south of Quesnel at Alexandria Hall started Friday, May 13, with an afternoon medicine walk.
Activities will continue Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15.
Funds raised will support the family of 27-year-old Sidney Boyd, who was last seen in downtown Quesnel on April 5, 2021, and their ongoing search efforts.
“If that helps one hurting mother get out of bed in the morning to go smudge, or whatever the case may be, then I feel like my mission is done,” Forget said.
“The youth are losing their ways too–their language and traditions, so I just want to help anyone on their healing journey.”
As the toxic illicit drug supply in B.C. continues to claim lives every day, Forget sees a glimmer of hope.
When she first started learning about peer-based harm reduction programs and services, she noted there was stigma and a lack of education.
“But doors are opening,” Forget said, pointing to growing demands of all levels of government to immediately fund a safe supply.
“If we join hands, ideas will come, and the more education, the more things will broaden.”
Read More: ‘Death penalty situation’: 6 years ago, B.C. declared toxic drug poisonings a health emergency
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
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