Cheam First Nation – Cheam First Nation, the FNHA and Fraser Health have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to Walk in Partnership on an Overdose Prevention Project.
Xwchíyò:m (Cheam First Nation) is leading the work to open a new overdose prevention site and has partnered with Fraser Health and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to open BC’s first and Canada’s second OPS on reserve land. Though other services in BC incorporate cultural approaches, the Cheam OPS will be the first led by a First Nations community to address an unmet need in the Fraser Valley.
On April 21, 2022, Dr. Victoria Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Health, and Richard Jock, Chief Executive Officer of the FNHA, joined Chief Andrew Victor from Cheam First Nation in ceremony where each signed the Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines the details of the partnership and the services provided at the OPS.
The Cheam OPS will include both an indoor area and an outdoor inhalation space with plans to add a mobile outreach component. It will serve Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living on Cheam and will be open to people from any area including neighboring Nations and adjacent communities including Chilliwack, Agassiz and Rosedale.
