“The grief that comes with losing someone we love to overdose can be overwhelming. It’s important we work together to reduce harm for our community members.” – Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is inviting youth from SCO-member Nations to enter a poster contest to help us recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization wants to uplift those who have lost friends, family members, and other loved ones to substance poisoning and let them know they are not alone,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The grief that comes with losing someone we love to overdose can be overwhelming. It’s important we work together to reduce harm for our community members.”
SCO will select three artists from the contest entries. The three selected youth will receive a back-to-school shopping spree as appreciation for taking the time to enter this contest.
SCO’s Harm Reduction Program aims to keep loved ones who are impacted by substance use safe, offer them love and support, minimize the harms associated with substance use, and support people on their healing journey.
“Overdoses create a ripple effect within our Nations. They encourage us to have tough conversations, build stronger relationships, and move forward on our healing journeys,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “It is our hope that encouraging First Nations youth to create artwork that recognizes the issue of overdosing will help encourage dialogue and spread awareness of this important issue.”
SCO invites southern First Nation youth between the ages of 15 and 30 to submit a completed poster to media@scoinc.mb.ca. The first-place prize is a $500 back-to-school shopping spree! Youth need to enter the contest by 4 pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, to be eligible to win a prize.
For full details on this opportunity, and to learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day, visit: https://scoinc.mb.ca/postercontest2023/
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 83,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca
