What Could Harm Reduction Look Like in Manitoba (Not Just Winnipeg)?

Speakers:

Dr. Marcia Anderson, Ongomiizwin

Tristan Dreilich, Manitoba Harm Reduction Network– Selkirk

Dr. Shawna Ferris, Women and Gender Studies, University of Manitoba

Levi Foy, Sunshine House

Shohan Ilsley, Manitoba Harm Reduction

Facilitated by Kohkum Leslie Spillett

Welcome from Dr. Margaret Lavellee

Harm reduction is founded in public health, community, and social justice. Health, safety, and freedom from discrimination are all rights enshrined in Canadian, Indigenous, and international laws and protocols. They have also become highly politicized points of policy here in Manitoba – with sharp distinctions between urban and rural realities. The focus on political calculation rather than health and wellness has led to an increasing amount of neglect, hospitalizations, and deaths of fellow Manitobans – particularly in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

On Apr. 20, 2023 the CHRR hosted a roundtable with practitioners, scholars, and advocates (and those who identify as a combination of all three) involved in harm reduction throughout the province.

The event was co-organized by the Centre for Social Science Research and Policy (UM), the Centre for Human Rights Research (UM), Ongomiizwin, and University of Winnipeg’s Global College.

Resources

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/JM1j881qmcM