Rig Dig

Rig Dig from Tamara Herman on Vimeo.

VIPIRG’s Research Coordinator, Tamara Herman has made her first short video documentary, and now you can watch it online!

Rig Dig is a ten-minute piece about an amazing peer-run service for people who use illicit drugs in Victoria, Coast & Straights Salish Territories. I hope you’ll take the time to check out. Of course, what I really is hope is that you’ll check it out and be inspired to get involved and/or support three organizations at the forefront of the struggle for rights and dignity for people who use illicit drugs : The Society of Living Intravenous Drug Users (SOLID) (email: solidinfo@shawbiz.ca), the Beddow Centre and Harm Reduction Victoria. In a context where stigma and NIMBY-ism (“Not In My Backyard”) appear to have more political clout than essential health services for some of the most marginalized members of our communities, all three organizations are in need of donations, encouragement, solidarity and support.

Rig Dig has been accepted at the International Drugs and Harm Reduction Film Festival in Beirut in April. Rig Dig was produced by MediaNet and made possible by SOLID, Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victoria Public Interest Research Group (VIPIRG).

The Film – Rig Dig

At the crack of dawn every morning, Mark and Dave hit the streets of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada to do the Rig Dig. “Rig Diggers” are people who previously used illicit drugs or still do. They take on the task of collecting discarded syringes, distributing safer drug supplies and offering support to their peers. The Rig Dig has become a crucial service for people who use drugs ever since the city’s only fixed-site needle exchange was evicted in May 2008.

This short documentary follows Dave and Mark as they navigate the city streets, voice their views on drugs, health and poverty, and share their stories.

Please consider getting involved with the struggle for rights and justice for people who use drugs in Victoria, Coast and Straights Salish Territories, BC. The groups listed below are looking for support, solidarity and donations.

The Society of Living Intravenous Drug Users (SOLID): solidinfo@shawbiz.ca

The Beddow Centre (the Victoria Harm Reduction Resource Centre): http://vhrrcs.wordpress.com/

Harm Reduction Victoria: www.harmreductionvictoria.ca