Please join us on August 31st as we uplift our ancestors and families
August 26th, 2026
Tla’amin Nation invites all citizens and community members to honour our loved ones as we mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, August 31st.
The day will begin with a flag raising ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall followed by a small food burning ceremony at the new cemetery at 11:30 a.m. and a community dinner at 5:00 p.m. at the Salish Centre. Transportation will be provided to the city for the flag raising and back to the community burning.
International Overdose Awareness Day happens every August 31st and is a day to hold and remember our jehjeh whose lives were taken too soon by alcohol and drugs. This year marks 25 years since Overdose Awareness Day began.
Hegus John Hackett says: “Our hearts are with all our families who grieve on this day for what was, and what could have been. We are going to honour our loved ones by feeding and taking care of our Ancestors on the other side and take care of present and future generations by getting ourselves informed. Overdose is a preventable health issue, and I encourage our community members to come out, share time together, and learn what we can do in our homes and community to take care of one another.”
Here are a few things to know about the day and how you and your family can participate:
- Transportation is provided into town for the flag raising and back for the burning. Bus will leave health at 9:30 a.m.
- Some traditional foods will be provided for the burning; please bring a plate of your loved one’s favourite foods
- Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. and includes a moment of silence and reflection, interactive information stations, cedar brushings and prizes. Naloxone kits and resources will be available.
Everyone is welcome. Please bring your family.
For questions about the burning please contact Drew.Blaney@tn-bc.ca
For questions about the dinner and flag raising contact Brittany.Vivier@tn-bc.ca or 604-414-3559.