Responding to the Opioid Drug Crisis in MN American Indian Communities

Addiction to opioid pain killers and heroin is a daunting challenge to many Natives. In 2015, Minnesota had more American Indians dying from overdoses than any other state. That same year, nearly 70% of pregnant Native women gave birth to babies with opioids in their systems. There’s a call for a culturally specific response base on traditional teachings and ceremonies, and a different urgent call for medically assisted treatment. In the end, healing from historical trauma is the path forward. Join us as we explore these issues in Minnesota’s Indian country in this special report from Minnesota Native News brought to you by Native Voice One.