Whitehorse Daily Star

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Photo by Vince Fedoroff

FACING THE ISSUES – A panel discussion at today’s Vulnerable People at Risk Forum looked at what is known about the issues and what progress is being made. Left to right are: Kate Mechan and Kristina Craig of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition; registered nurse Christina Sim, who works as the co-ordinator of outreach programs for the Kwanlin Dun First Nation; RCMP Chief Supt. Peter Clark; Dr. Sharon Lazeo of the Taiga Medical Clinic; psychologist Bill Stewart, who has worked with the Jackson Lake Healing Centre; and Phil Gatensby, the cultural co-ordinator of the Jackson Lake Healing Centre.

Forum draws standing-room-only crowd

A forum focused on vulnerable people at risk in the city drew a standing-room-only crowd inside the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre this morning.

By Stephanie Waddell on April 24, 2015

A forum focused on vulnerable people at risk in the city drew a standing-room-only crowd inside the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre this morning.

The event – co-hosted by the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the city – is continuing throughout the day with numerous officials with various governments, service organizations and others set to explore what action could be taken and how organizations can work together to help the more vulnerable.

During much of this morning’s discussions, the focus was on the current situation and impact to the community. It was also stressed by many who spoke that anyone can be vulnerable, some more than others and there’s a need for that recognition and to approach the issue – and those living at risk – in a nonjudgmental way.

And there was also hope that progress can be made to help those who need it.

“It is truly remarkable when a community comes together with one common goal,” KDFN Chief Doris Bill said in her welcome as she acknowledged the work of Kwanlin Dun and Whitehorse staff to make the forum happen.

She also drew a standing ovation for the speech which drew on her experience both as chief at a time the Kwanlin Dun community is going through many tragedies and as a sister who lost two of her brothers to the streets.

Outlining a long list of programs happening in the Kwanlin Dun community and numerous challenges it faces, she emphasized that there are many efforts underway throughout the wider community.

It’s not a matter of working harder, she said, but instead working smarter with service providers, governments and all involved talking to one another and working together.

“As leaders, we are willing to roll up our sleeves and have this discussion with you,” she said, addressing all those sitting or standing in the long house.

Mayor Dan Curtis reflected on the “thousands of years of experience” that was in the room in noting the need to find a way to make things better.

Recalling a meeting he had with RCMP Chief Supt. Peter Clark, the mayor commented it was something Clark said that changed his way of thinking.

As mayor, he explained, he often is told by citizens that he has to “do something” about any number of issues. During that meeting though it was Clark who said “we have to do something...”

“It’s about what we have to do,” he said, emphasizing the importance of involvement from all parts of the community.

Andy Nieman spoke about his own experience, from growing up in a violent home with parents who were alcoholics followed by three years spent at the Lower Post Residential School where he was sexually abused to living on the streets of Vancouver addicted to drugs and alcohol and getting to a point where he was able to turn his life around. (See story in next Monday’s Star).

It was a connection with a friend that was the first step in making that turn around and as the forum moved into a panel discussion that need for connection was stressed by others.

As psychologist Bill Stewart, who has worked with the Jackson Lake Healing Centre on many occasions, pointed out referring to Nieman’s presentation, believing that a person is not worthy of connection with others is often what can make a person their most vulnerable.

It is such a painful experience that a human will do anything to numb it out, he said citing drugs and alcohol, blaming others and so on as ways people cope.

The only way to help people recover, he suggested, is to reach out and try to connect.

We have to communicate with people that they are worthy of connecting with, he said.

Others on the panel showcased a number of initiatives underway aimed at reaching out to that vulnerable population along with suggestions as to what direction they could go in.

Christina Sim, a registered nurse who works as the co-ordinator of outreach programs for KDFN highlighted numerous services the First Nation brings to the community and tailors to those in need, including physician services at the Kwanlin Dun Health Centre, a downtown outreach clinic and their First Nation’s involvement with the outreach van which is run by numerous groups around Whitehorse.

The health services are offered in a way that is nonjudgmental and gives clients the additional time they may need with medical professionals.

Additionally on the panel was Dr. Sharon Lazeo from the Taiga Medical Clinic, where a program was started about three years ago with funding from the territorial government that takes a more collaborative approach to providing health care services to the more vulnerable population incorporating mental health care, physician care and accommodating clients who may have trouble keeping a scheduled appointment or may need more time with a physician.

Lazeo said she would like to see the program expanded in a way that would allow the medical professionals to go out to vulnerable people in the community.

Also on the panel was Clark, who stressed the RCMP’s role in policing the territory, a role that he said goes beyond – though includes – law enforcement and means being engaged within the community.

He then drew on 2014 statistics showing there were more than 3,000 arrests in Whitehorse, many involving vulnerable people “in desperate situations.”

He pointed out one woman leads the statistics, having spent 118 nights in custody and yet she has no criminal record.

“That’s staggering,” he said, arguing that many times those arrested are in custody for their own safety and its important to be compassionate.

The forum, he suggested, is a great opportunity to discuss the issues, challenges and changes that can be made.

Short films – one by the KDFN featuring the Jackson Lake Healing Centre and another about homelessness by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition – were also featured as part of the panel.

The forum continued with circles of sharing set up around the cultural centre. Reports were then set to be presented from each circle.

Further sessions for this afternoon were set to include: prioritizing what can be done, a keynote address by Dr. Gabor Maté and a closing panel with Bill and Curtis before the two leaders host a press conference on the forum.

Comments (2)

Up 27 Down 7

June Jackson on Apr 24, 2015 at 11:04 pm

Who are "vulnerable people at risk" in Whitehorse? Is "vulnerable people at risk' addicts? alcoholics? mentally ill? at risk for what?

Why not call it what it is? I don't want ANYONE to be homeless.. but I think "poor thing you are vulnerable at risk" gives a different message than "you are an addict, own it, and get help for it".

Why wasn't Salvation Army represented here? How many folks here have actually spent a Friday night or an SA Wednesday volunteering at Sally Ann?

A big expensive forum to discuss what everyone already knows.. and they also know what has to be done.. make a safe temporary roof available, make nutritious food available, make help available, make support available and then leave folks alone. Your going to 'reach out"? What does that mean?

Everyone should get to decide how they want to live their life the way they want to. Because YOU don't want to live that way doesn't make someone else wrong.

No one talked about education or providing work opportunities or helping people help themselves. Even "vulnerable people at risk" can have pride.

I am all about freedom, and that means everyone gets a choice. I would have been more impressed to see even one "vulnerable people at risk' on that stage talking about what he/she wants and how he/she wants it delivered.

Up 8 Down 19

Josey Wales on Apr 24, 2015 at 11:00 pm

Fantastic, I never thought the day would come when "some" of the issues that we all deal with virtually daily around here...would arrive to have this conversation.

I so hope real solutions can be brought forward to improve someone's life whom wishes so...really!
Not to undermine the main subject, but vulnerable people yes those who want it should receive it...duh. however as they are part of our community they have an effect on said community whether we see this or not. The many issues that they contribute to, but are by no stretch "the" sole reason we to need to address their issues and others to set the bar for a safe community.

I will not meander off on a tangent about them, the myriad of issues...today.
Just wished to acknowledge the conversation happening as it is a great start, besides an epic challenge.

I so truly wish us luck, for everybody...all stake holders A.K.A everyone in "our community"
...and yes folks, the real Josey said those things.
OK...the real "local commentator" Josey...I'm not Clint.

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