Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society: Peer-Driven Research Helping to Bridge Knowledge Gaps
Located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, many have found welcome at the Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society (WAHRS), where groundbreaking research is helping to rewrite our understanding of substance use and addiction. Members are current or former illicit drug and/or illicit alcohol users from diverse Indigenous backgrounds. At WAHRS, members are given an opportunity to have their voices heard, empowered to fight for themselves and to educate policy makers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and others about members’ strengths and challenges.