Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about trauma and substance abuse problems of which is -- trauma is a priority of this government. Here in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, especially in our small communities, we see intergenerational trauma and its impacts. Broadly, intergenerational trauma can be caused by a variety of different factors including removal of -- removal from homelands, genocide, sexual or gender violence, institutionalized and direct racism, incarceration, and exploitation.
We are all aware of the legacy of the residential school systems in the NWT. The tragic effects of these are still visible today and have led to trauma that is passed on through generations.
Mr. Speaker, many of those who went to residential schools turn to substance abuse as a way of coping. We know from government data that rates were alcohol abuse are high in the Northwest Territories. According to a 2023 report from the NWT statistics bureau, 72.3 percent of current drinkers in the Deh Cho riding are classified as heavy drinkers.
Mr. Speaker, we hear about the youth in Fort Smith this morning on CBC radio. This is also happening in our communities. Addictions destroy families. There is a strong link between trauma and addictions. Intergenerational trauma is alive and well from the government's decades of abuse of our people. I would like to know what our government is doing to address this problem. What opportunities are in place for healing for our people? I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
