OKIB Harm Reduction Team Fully Staffed and Office Open

January 29th, 2026

Read the PDF version of the release here.

The Okanagan Indian Band’s Harm Reduction team is now fully staffed and the office is open, restoring full capacity to support community safety and respond to concerns across the community. (Located at 76 Head of the Lake Road, lower level).

With staffing in place, the team is able to resume regular community sweeps at local parks and public spaces, respond more quickly to reports, and continue outreach focused on prevention, education, and care.

Community safety is a shared effort. Everyone has a role to play in helping keep public spaces safer for children, families, Elders, and visitors. As park use increases, community members are encouraged to do a quick visual scan of play areas before allowing children to use the space.

If drug paraphernalia is found, community members are asked to follow the attached safe cleanup guidelines if they feel comfortable doing so. If assistance is needed with clean up, the Harm Reduction team is available to respond.

Please contact: Peer Support Worker, Harmony Robinson at 250-309-7364 Peer Support Worker: Lee Marchand at 250-241-8433 Harm Reduction Supervisor: Lane Brewer at 250-241-7595

If items are cleaned up independently, the team asks that community members let them know. This information helps track locations and better understand where supports and outreach are most needed.

The Harm Reduction team’s work is grounded in care, dignity, and prevention. By staying informed and connected, community members help support a safer environment for everyone who uses shared spaces.

For more information or to report concerns, please contact the OKIB Harm Reduction team using the numbers above.

Lane Brewer, Harm Reduction Supervisor, Okanagan Indian Band Phone number: 250-241-7595 Email: [email protected]

Take care of yourself and one another.