Illustrator: Sarah Agaton Howes, www.heartberry.com
Our practice is rooted in the seven teachings of the Ojibwe: respect, humility, courage, honesty, wisdom, truth, and love.
Since 2015, Gwayakobimaadiziwin Bad River Needle Exchange has offered harm reduction services and supplies for people who use drugs in our community.
We endeavor to confront the discrimination endured by people who use drugs and advocate for more humane law and policy.
We are based out of the Bad River Reservation and are available to meet with people who use drugs in Ashland, Bayfield, Price and Iron Counties in northern Wisconsin.
Origins: the story of our community
Drug use is a community issue; we are convinced that it originated in our communal experience. Challenges we’ve endured continue to shape our current circumstances. By the same token, our endurance is something we can call on in our battle to address the harms related to substance use in our community.
Miinan (blueberries) and gi-bai’ imin-aatig (sweet fern) are traditional medicines harvested during high summer.
Expanding the Circle of Care
We are happy to share Expanding the Circle of Care: A practical guide to syringe services for tribal and rural communities, which is our version of a “tookit” that tells the story of how we started Bad River Harm Reduction.
What follows is our harm reduction story.
Harm Reduction Resources
Check out our resources page to see what we offer and how to arrange to get supplies, harm reduction information and support.
Aurora Conley and Philomena Kebec preparing for the Bad River Community Health Fair