Norman Wells teen pleads for northern addictions treatment centre to MLAs

Sierra McDonald writes how mental health struggles can lead to addiction when not properly addressed.


Sierra McDonald, 17, lives in Tłegǫ́hłı̨ (Norman Wells). (Photo retrieved from Facebook)

Posted By: Francis Tessier-Burns January 13, 2021

Sierra McDonald had to come up with a community project this summer as part of a youth peer leader retreat.

The 17-year-old used the opportunity to bring attention to mental health and addictions: she sent a letter to MLAs highlighting the need for  an addictions treatment centre.

In her letter she writes, “We desperately need a treatment centre in the North.”

Reporter Francis Tessier-Burns spoke with McDonald to hear in her own words why that is.

 

You can read Sierra McDonald’s letter below.

Community Project Success! Sierra McDonald in Norman Wells wrote an advocacy letter for the need to have a treatment…

Posted by FOXY – Fostering Open Expression among Youth on Tuesday, January 5, 2021

About the Author

Francis Tessier-Burns
Francis was a reporter with CKLB from January 2019 to March 2023. In his time with CKLB, he had the immense pleasure and honour of learning about northern Indigenous cultures.