After 9 years of a provincially declared public health emergency, no member of our community is untouched by the ongoing and worsening Toxic Drug Crisis. In commemoration of this grim and solemn anniversary, the VIU Harm Reduction Alliance is hosting a Sacred Grief Fire on Monday, April 14th, 2025, at the VIU Nanaimo Campus in the Quad (area in front of the library) from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.
The event is free and open to anyone who would like to attend. All are welcome.
According to Snuneymuxw VIU Elder Geraldine Manson, "This event will allow those who have lost someone through overdose to come together to be part of a ceremony that embraces grief and loss. Grief can be overwhelming, so writing a note to loved ones lost at a sacred fire helps us express and share our loss and gives some comfort to one’s mind.”
Carmen Lavoie, a VIU Social Work professor, adds, “A community grief fire is held to honour those who have passed in silence or behind the veils of stigma and shame. We build a fire to signify our grief for those who have passed and to create a container for others to share their grief. In this way, grief becomes a journey of giving to one another to nourish our community and counter community divisions that no longer serve us.”
This event is an adaptation of a Snuneymuxw spiritual tradition made available to the public and exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and gathering together to address difficult issues such as grief and loss. Fresh flowers will be available, as well as electric tea lights for attendees to light in remembrance of their loved ones. Additionally, an art installation will be featured to honor and represent those lost, serving as a visual tribute to their lives and the impact of the Toxic Drug Crisis. Attendees will be invited to share/speak if they feel called to do so. Please note that politicians and political candidates are welcome to participate, however this event will not be a space for campaigning.
Since the Overdose Public Health Emergency was declared in B.C. in 2016, over 16,047 British Columbians have died of toxic drug poisoning, with many survivors suffering long-term health complications. In 2024 alone, the toxic illicit drug supply claimed the lives of at least 2,253 British Columbians, making it one of the worst years on record. On average, we are losing 6.2 people per day to the toxic drug crisis across the province. The majority are working-age males, many of them fathers to young children. In 2024, 20 youth under the age of 19 died from lethal drug overdoses.
Please join us as we grieve together and honour loved ones lost to the Toxic Drug Crisis.
We respectfully acknowledge that we are grateful and honoured to gather for this event on beautiful Snuneymuxw Territory.
This event is sponsored by the VIU Faculty Association.
SOURCE: BC Coroner’s Service Unregulated Drug Supply Statistics