I have a few more things.
There are alternatives. I totally agree that those who are intentionally spreading the virus should be dealt with, but we need to find alternatives that will assist indigenous communities that are experiencing and bearing the burden of HIV, overrepresentation in the justice system, and other immediate concerns such as the opioid crisis. We cannot continue to treat people who are in addictions and those who are living with HIV as criminals.
I want to end on a promising note. We have found that it is possible for people to change. We need to allocate resources to helping people deal with their traumas, rather than opening more jails. We need to help indigenous people survive another day by providing cultural supports.
The CAAN board chair, Val Nicholson—I'm happy to see her here—said it best that addictions go away when you deal with your trauma. There is hope in culture, elders, ceremonies, protocols and traditions. Implementing the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action for more healing lodges will provide cultural supports for people who have been dealt with very harshly by this government, by the churches and by all levels of the colonial system.
Thank you for listening.