“Communities throughout the country are dealing with the opioid epidemic, and this community is no different,” says Passamaquoddy Chief Ralph Dana of Sipayik. "But," he continues, "the Passamaquoddy are unique. We have values, culture, traditions, language and philosophy, and we want to bring all that to bear in dealing with the drug problem." Holding his hands out in front of him, fingers loosely interlaced, Dana explains. "Values, culture and tradition are not woven together as tightly as they were. We have to strengthen these and close the gaps so we can lift so much more."
     Culture emerges, along with prevention, education, enforcement and short‑term care, as a key focus area in Sipayik's multifaceted plan to fight against opioids' effects in the community. Dana, who initially became aware of the influx and impact of opioids when he was working in law enforcement in the 1990s, notes a negative correlation between drug use and culture. "As drugs have gone up, culture and values have gone down." He and others hope the inverse proves true. If young people can be encouraged to spend more time engaged in traditional activities -- hunting, fishing and trapping -- and are presented with opportunities to connect more closely with their traditional culture, drug use will decrease.
     Local law enforcement will play an integral role in prevention. Sipayik's officials are aware that trafficking by non‑local residents is one avenue for drugs making their way into the community. Cameras and license plate readers will be installed throughout Sipayik, enabling police to identify all persons coming into and leaving the community. A residency ordinance, requiring that all non‑tribal citizens register with the tribe and state their intentions in the community, will be strengthened and strictly enforced. Banishment of individuals deemed a threat to public safety will continue.
  Dana stresses that sufficient resources must be available for those struggling with addiction.      "We need to coordinate our resources and fill the gaps in services," he says. The tribe will be hiring a planner to collaborate with health center staff in identifying needs. Meanwhile, community leaders already recognize some gaps in services and are taking measures to fill these gaps.
  Until recently, no immediate resources were available when an addict reached out for help. Project Hope, which was adopted late last year by the Pleasant Point Police Department, now provides a model for law enforcement officials to use when an addict asks the police for help. Dana envisions the addition of a trained community response team for addicts who are seeking help but are reluctant to turn to the police.
     Addicts' short‑term care is a concern. A person who reaches out for help may have to wait several days for a space in a detox or treatment facility. An addict is particularly vulnerable during this waiting period and is likely to use drugs if returned to a familiar environment. Short‑term housing and care may increase the addict's chances of getting into treatment. The limited number of facilities offering treatments incorporating Native practices also presents a challenge, and efforts are being made to identify all available programs.
     Those returning to the community after treatment equally are vulnerable and in need of services. Local resources currently include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and access to behavioral health professionals at the Pleasant Point Health Clinic. To further support addicts' reentries into the community, after‑care programs and facilities will be developed and educational programs will inform the community on the best practices for creating a supportive environment for recovering addicts.
     Chief Dana, although optimistic about plans and proposed interventions, does not anticipate the measures will result in a quick turnaround in opioid abuse. "This is a huge thing that is going to take so many years, but we can get it to a point where it is manageable and mitigate the effects by giving people tools," he says.