Seneca Mothers Against Drugs (SMAD) organized a Slow Roll through the Allegany Territory & Salamanca to bring awareness to the issues that drugs and drug abuse are creating on the territories. The Slow Roll took place on Friday, July 15th on the grounds of the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center (The Cattaraugus Territory event happened on Sunday, June 12 on the grounds of the Iroquois Legion Post #1587).
The event included guest speakers and informational tents as well as giveaways and raffles for those who attended.
SMAD, a grassroots community group, issued the following statement: “Our children and grandchildren are facing a continuous onslaught of temptation to use hard drugs. The drugs are everywhere, as are the dealers.
We, as SMAD, have had an impact over the past few years addressing the problem, but the problem persists. Since March 2020, there has been a 30% increase in opioid relapse and overdose rates in our area. The Seneca people, including our Seneca kids, have been disproportionately impacted. As mothers, we are seeing it firsthand. We are experiencing the problems and we’ve had enough.”
Nya:wëh to SMAD for the important work they’re doing in our communities.
