Local Indigenous Group Placing Purple Chairs in Kootenay Communities to Remind Us of the Ongoing Drug Tragedy
By Contributor
The Autonomous Sinixt and supporters have launched a campaign to remind Kootenay communities about the tragedies still unfolding here with the toxic drug crisis.
“In one single week in April 2026, in the City of Trail, within our unceded territory, nine people died from toxic drug overdoses, with more deaths occurring over the years in this ongoing epidemic drug crisis,” explains Marilyn James, Matriarch of the Autonomous Sinixt.
The Autonomous Sinixt have chosen purple as the color to paint chairs, empty, to recognize those no longer with us because of the lethal drug supply, commemorating the loss of loved ones who are missing from our homes, lost to drugs.
“We would like to invite you to participate with us in placing a chair outside or inside your establishment or residence, a reminder about the dangerous threats from toxic drugs and what we can all do to prevent these deaths,” adds Marilyn James.
“We can provide the chair if you would like, or you may choose to paint one of your own. If you choose to have us bring a purple chair, we will be coming in the beginning of August.”
Towards the end of August there will be a Call to Action where you can choose to bring your chair to City Hall and place it in the grass. During this time, we will pick up your chair and keep it in our inventory, or you can keep your chair to display for the next purple chair campaign in August 2027.
Keep an eye on our social media for updates about the Call to Action, and please share with us and tag us in photos of your purple chairs. @autonomoussinixt #autonomoussinixt
Autonomous Sinixt respectfully acknowledges and dedicates this campaign to Aubrey and his mom Jessica.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Lucretia James at info@sinixt.org. We look forward to the success of bringing awareness to our communities and ask that you share this information where appropriate.
