Harm reduction policies and programs for persons of Aboriginal descent : Politiques et programmes de réduction des méfaits pour les personnes de descendance autochtone

It then briefly looks at the composition of persons of Aboriginal Pragmatism: Harm reduction accepts that some use of psycho- descent in Canada, the general health status and prevalence of active substances is inevitable, and that some level of substance problematic substance use within the population, and histori- use is expected in a society. [...] The size and scope of needs and strengths specific to Aborigi- The abstinence-based focus of many of the National Native nal peoples and their communities must be acknowledged in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) treatment any discussion of harm reduction. [...] CAAN’s work on developing an HIV/AIDS Indians (recognized under the Indian Act by the Government strategy in Canada for First Nations, Inuit and Métis describes of Canada and entitled to certain rights and benefits under the harm reduction as one of nine strategic areas where the aim is law), and Non-Status Indians (not recognized under the In- educating and supporting individuals to make changes [...] The community reduced its ers, to keep in mind the unique histories and vast differences overall level of drinking over a period of several years and, in between First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as the com- the spirit of harm reduction, rarely resorted to exiling users. [...] The Canadian Aboriginal of arrest by police, the ability to get assistance in the case of AIDS Network suggests that harm reduction is a “pragmatic, an overdose, and the option of consuming at a slower rate.