Page 73 - Walking_The_Red_Road

We asked our youth about their use of drugs and alcohol
At a day-long event for youth held at the Friendship Centre, twenty-nine young people, between
the ages of 11 and 25, agreed to complete our survey. These young people were from First Nations communities surrounding North Bay such as Dokis, Shawanaga and Gull Bay, and further away in Ontario such as Moose Factory. Almost half of the group was from Winneway First Nation in Quebec.
And we learned
Use of recreational drugs or alcohol...the majority (21 out of 29 or 72%) report they have never used drugs or alcohol; 3 have used only drugs; 2 have used only alcohol; 3 have used both.
Making the choice NOT to use drugs or alcohol...2/3 of the youth report “staying healthy and active” and “family and friends” influenced their choice not to use drugs and alcohol. 1/3 reported “tradition and culture” and the rest mentioned “drug and alcohol awareness education” and “other” as the reasons for their decisions.
Access to drugs and alcohol...of the 28% who use drugs and alcohol, 1/3 of the youth report they get alcohol and drugs from friends. The rest of the sources are: family, school, the street, by stealing and “other.”
Why do you think someone would use recreational drugs and alcohol? In response to this question, the youth thought that “peer pressure,” “feeling happy” and “fun” were the main reasons why someone would use recreational drugs and alcohol. As well,
several youth chose “other.”
Do you have friends or family using drugs or alcohol? Over 79% said yes and about 17% said no. One youth didn’t respond.
Talking to someone about drug or alcohol use and getting help... of the youth who use drugs and alcohol, about half report they have talked
to someone and half report they have not. When the youth have spoken to someone, it has been “friends,” “school counsellor” or “family.” As well, about half said they know of services where they can get help and half say they do not know.
What this means for our community... Many of our youth are making healthy choices and with support, could become role models and mentors to others. School counsellors have a pivotal role in educating our youth about drug and alcohol
treatment services and helping them connect to those services.
Walking the Red Road | REPORT OF THE URBAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE PROJECT
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I feel as though some kids think it is impossible to be drug and alcohol free on the reserve or should just get low marks in school. And I like to prove that theory wrong, that stereotype.
Participant, Youth Action Circle