Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been appointed as a strategic adviser for B.C.-based NovaRed Mining Inc., a decision that has sparked significant backlash. Critics argue that Noem's role is inappropriate given her controversial past.
Noem's Controversial Record
Under the Trump administration, Noem oversaw the rounding up and deportation of thousands of people of colour, a highly polarizing operation described as one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history. This record has raised questions about her suitability for advising on mining operations in traditional Indigenous territories.
Additionally, Noem drew criticism for referring to Canada as the 51st state in January 2025 while crossing the border between Vermont and Quebec, a comment seen as disrespectful to Canadian sovereignty.
Concerns from Indigenous Communities
The Upper Similkameen First Nation, whose traditional territory is affected by NovaRed's operations, may have concerns about Noem's involvement. Her appointment has been deemed inappropriate by observers like Charles Claus of Terrace, who highlighted the disconnect between Noem's past actions and the values of the local community.
Broader Context: Opioid Crisis Debate
The article also addresses a separate letter regarding B.C.'s declining toxic drug deaths. Researchers M-J Milloy and Lianping Ti from the B.C. Centre on Substance Use caution against attributing the decline solely to policy shifts away from harm reduction. They note that similar reductions occurred in other jurisdictions with different policies, and factors like reduced fentanyl concentrations and increased naloxone use played key roles.
David Taub Bancroft of Vancouver echoed this, stating the downward trend in overdose deaths began in 2024, before major policy changes, and is visible across Canada and the U.S.
