End Substance Use Disorder Celebrates Indigenous People’s Day

End Substance Use Disorder released a statement to recognize Indigenous People’s Day and honor the history and culture of Indigenous people in this country:

“Indigenous people have contributed greatly to this country and have shown resilience in the face of trauma and discrimination,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “Today, we recognize their strength and commit ourselves to ending discrimination against our Indigenous neighbors. We must ensure our laws affirm the dignity of their culture and traditions and provide equal opportunity. We urge lawmakers to pass laws that support the health and prosperity of all Indigenous people.”

Indigenous people have suffered from the highest rates of overdose deaths in recent years and their communities face immense disparities in access to treatment, harm reduction, and recovery supports. Improving access to care that is grounded in the culture and traditions of Indigenous people is essential to their safety and wellbeing.

Today, we also celebrate Indigenous leaders in recovery, like Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, who provide hope to millions through their strength and candor.