'I could feel him walking with us': Awareness walk in Regina remembers those lost to drug crisis
Community leaders renewed their push for awareness of Regina’s drug crisis at a walk in the north central neighbourhood on Friday.
“There’s a lasting impact rooted in historical trauma,” said Natasha Kennedy, Regina Treaty Status Indian Services (RTSIS) shelter case manager. “But it’s not just limited to the Indigenous community, it’s widespread.”
In August, the city marked a grim milestone.
Regina police statistics show 104 people have died of apparent overdose deaths in 2023, which is the fourth straight year more than 100 people have died of overdose.
“I’m actually not surprised by those numbers,” Kennedy responded.
One of them, 31-year-old Nehemiah Martin.
“He was a writer and a hair stylist. He was a good time,” his sister Holly described. “He wanted to do so much with his life but he got lost.”
“He had such a spirit and a heart of gold,” Holly said.
Nehemiah died on Sept. 9.
RTSIS has the goal to ensure no more names are added to the list.
“To create a safe and vibrant community, we need to be having these conversations,” Kennedy said. “When individuals are reaching out for supports, we need to have those resources readily available.”
On Friday, an awareness walk was held in Regina to remember those lost to the drug crisis. (Donovan Maess / CTV News)
At this rate, Regina is on pace to record more overdose deaths this year than ever.
“It’s troubling,” said RPS deputy chief Lorilee Davis. “The effects of grief and trauma on families and loved ones is so devastating.”
The walk was also an opportunity to educate the community.
On Friday, an awareness walk was held in Regina to remember those lost to the drug crisis. (Donovan Maess / CTV News)
Kennedy wants all people to be trained on how to administer naloxone to help those in crisis situations.
“If you’re not, you need to call out so we can support people potentially experiencing overdose,” she added.
For those participating, the walk was a chance to remember those taken too soon.
“It’s timely this happened today,” Holly said. “I could feel [Nehimiah] walking with us.”
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Another inmate dead at notoriously harsh Newfoundland jail, officials confirm
An inmate has died at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Newfoundland, one of the oldest operating provincial jails in the country, officials with the provincial Justice Department confirmed.
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
Ships face Houthi-claimed attack in Red Sea as officials say a U.S. warship also fires in self-defence
Commercial ships came under attack Sunday by drones and missiles in the Red Sea and a U.S. warship there opened fire in self-defence as part of an hourslong assault claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said.
Fatal stabbing of German tourist by suspected radical puts sharp focus on Paris Olympics
A bloodstain by a bridge over the Seine river was the only remaining sign on Sunday of a fatal knife attack 12 hours earlier on a German tourist, allegedly carried out by a young man under watch for suspected Islamic radicalization.
Israel says military offensive in crowded southern Gaza will be 'no less strength' than in the north
The Israeli military said Sunday it had expanded its ground operations to every part of Gaza and ordered more evacuations in the crowded south, followed by heavy bombardment, as it vowed that operations there against Hamas would be 'no less strength' than its earlier offensive in the north.
Kyiv investigates allegations Russian forces shot surrendering Ukrainian soldiers
Ukrainian officials on Sunday launched an investigation into allegations that Russian forces killed surrendering Ukrainian soldiers -- a war crime if confirmed -- after grainy footage on social media appeared to show two uniformed men being shot at close range after emerging from a dugout.
Rare Maud Lewis paintings up for auction online, valued at $35,000
Three rare Maud Lewis paintings are up for auction online today, estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars each.
Indonesia's Marapi volcano erupts and blankets nearby villages with ash
Indonesia's Mount Marapi in West Sumatra province erupted Sunday, spewing white-and-gray ash plumes more than 3,000 metres into the air and sending hot ash clouds several miles away.
Saskatoon
-
'Screaming for help': Saskatoon man injured saving family from dog attack
An evening stroll for a Saskatoon man and his three children quickly turned violent, when two Pit bull dogs aggressively approached and attacked them on Wednesday in the Holiday Park neighbourhood.
-
Intense early-morning Saskatoon house fire had trapped one evacuee in the backyard
Firefighters say a major blaze that totalled a Saskatoon home early Sunday morning likely started in an attached garage.
-
Saskatoon man faces murder charge after violent incident
A 23-year-old Saskatoon man faces a second-degree murder charge following a violent incident in a parking lot on 20th Street on Saturday.
Winnipeg
-
'It's historic': Holiday open house returns to Manitoba Legislature
A long-standing holiday tradition returned to the Manitoba Legislature Saturday.
-
Chad Allan, founding member of Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, dies at 80
Celebrated musician Chad Allan, who carved a place in Canadian rock music history as co-founder of iconic bands the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has died. He was 80.
-
North End duplex complete loss after fire sends one to hospital
One person is recovering in hospital after an overnight blaze in the North End.
Calgary
-
1 dead in Sunday morning shooting at gas station on Sunchild First Nation
A man was shot to death Sunday morning at the Sunchild First Nation gas station.
-
Ground broken on construction of new U of C veterinarian medicine facilities
The University of Calgary is receiving more provincial funding for its new veterinary medicine facilities.
-
Calgary police seek public assistance in search for Amanda Mary Hunt
Calgary police are asking for help finding a woman missing for almost a month.
Edmonton
-
1 dead in Sunday morning shooting at gas station on Sunchild First Nation
A man was shot to death Sunday morning at the Sunchild First Nation gas station.
-
Gun sighting prompts lockdown of West Edmonton Mall Saturday
West Edmonton Mall was locked down late Saturday afternoon after a shopper was seen with a gun.
-
'You can feel the excitement': Historic Italian Bakery reopens after arson
Edmonton's Chinatown warmly welcomed back a sweet Italian staple Saturday.
Toronto
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
-
Police search for suspects, witnesses following Gardiner Expressway hit-and-run
Toronto police are searching for suspects following a hit-and-run on the Gardiner Expressway that left the road closed for several hours on Saturday.
-
Residents no longer asked to stay home in Hamilton neighhourhood as police conclude search in area, suspect outstanding
A shooting suspect in Hamilton’s McQuesten West neighbourhood is believed to have left the area and residents can now leave their homes, police say.
Ottawa
-
WINTER STORM WARNINGWINTER STORM WARNING Messy winter weather coming Ottawa's way this weekend
A messy mix of winter weather is about to hit Ottawa, with the potential to create serious traffic headaches Sunday and into Monday morning.
-
No injures to humans or animals reported after east-end barn fire
Ottawa Fire Services says no humans or animals were hurt as crews battled a barn fire in the city's rural east end earlier this weekend.
-
Here's what you can buy in Ottawa for over $1 million in 10 neighbourhoods
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what you can buy for over $1 million in 10 neighbourhoods across Ottawa in December.
Vancouver
-
13-year-old boy and father targeted in Richmond double homicide, investigators say
Homicide investigators say the two people found dead inside a Richmond home Thursday night were father and son, and evidence gathered so far suggests they were targeted.
-
6-month ban, $2,000 penalty for Abbotsford dentist who admitted to improperly touching staff member
An Abbotsford dentist who was the subject of "extraordinary action to protect the public" earlier this year has reached a consent agreement with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.
-
Number of British Columbians lost to toxic drugs in 2023 surpasses 2,000
At least 2,039 British Columbians have lost their lives to toxic drugs so far in 2023, according to the latest data release from the BC Coroners Service—marking the third year in a row more than 2,000 people have died from the province's ongoing overdose crisis.
Montreal
-
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
-
Two dead, two injured in Quebec head-on highway collision
Two people have died, and two others were seriously injured in a head-on collision Saturday evening on Highway 50 between the towns of Lachute and Mirabel, Que.
-
Slovakia's Vlhova leads, Canada's Grenier 11th after first run in giant slalom
Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova posted the fastest time in the first run of a women's World Cup giant slalom event on Sunday at Mont-Tremblant. Vlhova, who won silver in giant slalom on Saturday, leads with a time of one minute 6.46 seconds.
Vancouver Island
-
Police seek 'dangerous' suspect after home invasion attempt on Vancouver Island
Mounties in Langford say they're looking for a suspect who "may be armed and is considered dangerous" after a home invasion that occurred late Friday afternoon.
-
13-year-old boy and father targeted in Richmond double homicide, investigators say
Homicide investigators say the two people found dead inside a Richmond home Thursday night were father and son, and evidence gathered so far suggests they were targeted.
-
Hoopla expected to hit new heights as Sinclair's farewell game in Vancouver nears
Canada's lopsided 5-0 win over an experimental Australia side in the rain Friday at Starlight Stadium and the hoopla surrounding it provided a taste of what is to come in Christine Sinclair's farewell game at B.C. Place Stadium.
Atlantic
-
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon nets over $600,000 for children in need
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its Maritime traditions on Saturday, showcasing various Maritime talents throughout the seven-hour show.
-
Weather statements issued ahead of Sunday night and Monday snowfall
A low pressure system exiting the northeastern United States and then passing by the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia will bring a mix of snow and rain to the region Sunday night and Monday.
-
New Brunswick market brings another reason to support local
Two vendors at Saturday’s Christmas craft and bake sale in Salisbury, New Brunswick brought forward some extra holiday cheer and another reason to support local.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern students compete at FIRST Robotics competition in Sudbury
Students from five schools mostly in northeastern Ontario competed in a robotics challenge after designing and building their own robot over the past three months.
-
Sudbury Wacky Wings owner ‘heartbroken’ restaurant being expropriated, vows to reopen
While he’s a big supporter of what the city has planned for downtown, the owner of Wacky Wings on Shaughnessy Street says he and his staff are “heartbroken” they are being forced out of their location.
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
Kitchener
-
Pedestrian and young child struck while crossing a Kitchener street
A Cambridge man and a young child were taken to hospital Saturday afternoon after being struck by an SUV while crossing a Kitchener street.
-
Alleged victims speak out after a Waterloo, Ont. man posed as a CSIS agent and scammed women out of millions
Several women have come forward claiming they were victims of a romance scam by a Waterloo, Ont. man. Police believe he allegedly defrauded dozens of women out of more than $2 million over 15 years.
-
'Start thinking in innovative ways': Cambridge councillor pushing for new idea to tackle affordable housing crisis
A Cambridge city councillor is calling for a new way to tackle the local affordable housing crisis.
