“Iinihkátsís Kóták: Call on your spirit”, the new billboard in Standoff as part of the Blood Tribe's new awareness campaign. (Photo: Blood Tribe Communications)

By Christian Oldale

Blood Tribe launches new messaging campaign to combat opioid crisis

Sep 26, 2023 | 2:35 PM

STANDOFF, AB – The Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement department has begun a new campaign focused on battling the opioid crisis.

The campaign comes in the form of a new poster and billboard, using strategic messaging intending to prevent opioid misuse and ultimately reduce the amount of opioid related deaths.

The poster is titled “Kimmapiiyipitsinni: Compassion” and is made by Blood Tribe artist Bryce Singer. It features illustrations of wolves and Indigenous people in front of a starry sky with the Milky Way, or Makoiyohsokoyi (The Wolf Trail), to remind Blood Tribe members of a traditional story.

“Kimmapiiyipitsinni: Compassion”, the poster designed for the Blood Tribe’s new awareness campaign. (Photo: Blood Tribe Communications)

Representatives from the Blood Tribe said the image encourages individuals to check in on the people they love, and visit their families and communities, and listen to one another.

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The billboard is named “Iinihkátsís Kóták: Call on your spirit.” and is designed by Blood Tribe Communications Officer and artist Blaire Russell.

On the billboard, Blood Tribe council member and elder Martin Heavy Head is featured in the image with the Milky Way in the background.

The statement on the billboard is meant to remind Blood Tribe members of the importance of calling on their spirit, and bringing balance and harmony to oneself.

The campaign had input from Blood Tribe frontline workers, medical professionals, and Persons with Lived Experience (PWLE).

The billboard is on display at Red Crow Park along Highway 2 in Standoff.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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