On her own substance recovery journey, Kayla Belcher recognizes the importance of having a safe place to reflect on and honour loved ones lost in B.C.'s ongoing overdose crisis.
The Salmon Arm Cree/Métis woman said she is a peer leader with Interior Health's Mental Health and Substance Services and at the Shuswap Family Centre, and works full time at a local shelter. Through these experiences she's had a front-row seat to the overdose crisis.
"I see a lot of people, unfortunately, overdosing, and I’ve also revived a lot of people…," said Belcher. "It is heartbreaking to see lives taken by this toxic drug supply in our community…
"Unfortunately, I feel the devastation everyday because of the lives that are claimed by overdose/drug poisonings."
Recognizing a need for a "place of sanctuary and safety," Belcher has begun fundraising for a memorial bench that would be placed at the Shuswap Family Centre.
"It is a memorial bench to remember and honour those who have lost their lives to drug poisoning and/or overdose," shared Belcher via email. "It will be situated here at the Shuswap Family Center amongst the mountains, lake and trees."
Belcher said the bench is being funded by the family centre and will be built by local youth. A fundraiser titled Memorial Bench Salmon Arm has been launched on gofundme with the goal of raising $15,000. This money will go towards dedication plaques, and to pay for an artist's cedar carving of a howling wolf that will be placed next to the bench.
"The howling wolf is animal totem representing strength, community, awareness and leadership," said Belcher. "The howl brings harmony and interconnectedness as the Moon illuminates the darkness."
Belcher said she is happy and honoured to be working on this project with the support of the Shuswap Family Centre, Rise up Indigenous Wellness, Moms Stop The Harm, and the local Interior Health mental health services team and Peer Inclusion program.
"Together we are bringing this forward as we all see there is a dire need," said Belcher.
Belcher's connection to the overdose crisis runs deep, having "not only lived the hectic, chaotic, survivalist lifestyle that substance use brings, but also… what kind of toll it takes on communities and families, including my own family and friends."
"I was once a victim of the disease called addiction," said Belcher on her gofundme page. "I have ended up in an ambulance on oxygen then hospitalized from substances that nearly killed me."
Belcher said her sister suffered an overdose that almost ended in fatality. Instead, "she was in a coma for a month, left unresponsive and on an airway for another month."
"She now is paralyzed with a brain injury…," shared Belcher. "My sister is strong, and it is a miracle to be here today. My brother is also in active addiction and has recently lost his leg, in part due to his substance use."
Belcher said she was five-years-old when her biological mother passed away. She too was a "victim of the disease of addiction."
" I never got to meet her as she was too sick," said Belcher. "She carried a flame of willpower and love that echoed through generations and her community, including myself."
Belcher said the memorial bench, when installed, "will bring awareness and bind people from our communities together by offering a sacred, loving place to gather."
The bench will be unveiled on Aug. 31, which is Overdose Awareness Day. A ceremony will be held at the Shuswap Family Center, 681 Marine Park Drive, and will include Indigenous smudging and drumming.
