'My people are in mental distress': Gov. Gen. Mary Simon visits Yukon community hit by drug deaths

A three-day visit to Yukon for Gov. Gen. Mary Simon began at the Carcross/Tagish First Nation's Haa Shagóon Hídi cultural centre on Sunday.

Simon — who is visiting the territory with the purpose of strengthening relationships while focusing on reconciliation, mental health and the opioid crisis — spoke with Yukon First Nation elders, youth and leaders about the difficulties the community has faced recently in terms of mental health and drug-related deaths.

"It's really important for me to connect to Indigenous communities," said Simon, who wants to address both the challenges and positive remarks in communities.

Earlier this year, the Carcross/Tagish First Nation declared a state of emergency in the wake of drug-related deaths in the community. Soon after, the territory declared a similar emergency.

In 2021, Yukon had a 53.5 rate per 100,000 population of total opioid toxicity deaths, according to federal statistics.

Simon said she's been hearing similar scenarios from communities across Canada where mental health cases have been on the rise since the pandemic began.

"Suicide rates continue to be very high in different parts of the Arctic. These are an indication that my people are in mental distress," she said, citing a variety of factors such as residential schools, colonization, the trauma experienced in families and problems through intergenerational trauma.

She said one of the solutions to address difficulties in communities include giving more ownership to Indigenous people as well as increased mental health resources and support.

For many, her visit outside of the territory's capital was significant.

Gordon Reed, a member of Teslin Tlingit Council and a park ranger, said he has attended visits by past governors general to the territory.

"What I see happening this time is reaching out beyond Whitehorse. The fact that she's here is an honour," he said.

Reed said the opioid crisis hits close to home, but having Simon speak on it gives him hope.

"We've lost a lot. Too many. But when I hear kids talk about how many friends they're losing and that somebody in a position of power and influence is taking note of it, I'm hoping that that, in a way, provides the support that's needed to talk to the right people to make a difference," he said.

This is Simon's first official visit to the territory since being sworn into her role in July 2021. This is part of a larger objective of visiting each province and territory to engage with Canadians from across the country to build better relationships.