Coroner, First Nations urge B.C. to act on high number of youth deaths
VICTORIA — Too many Indigenous young people are dying tragic deaths in British Columbia, and a coroners’ death review panel is calling for a series of steps to improve their health and wellness.
Paul Sam, a First Nations Health Authority representative for the Coast Salish people, said at a news conference Wednesday when the panel’s report was released that it hurts to see so many young people die.
“Our work is just beginning. We all feel the pain of those families. We are developing partnerships as we go, as a health council, as a health authority. We have to move on from here.”
Sam said the youth are dying from drug overdoses, suicides and alcohol abuse.