The Oneida Nation of the Thames in Southwold, Ontario, is recognizing March 6, 2026, as Black Balloon Day. This day serves as a time for the community near St. Thomas to remember family members and friends who have died from drug overdoses.
This event is part of a worldwide campaign that began in 2016 to honour a man named Greg Tremblay and others who lost their lives to drugs. The program is organized by a non-profit group called Overdose Lifeline to help families share their stories and find support.
Residents looking for health support or grief services can speak with Andrew Ferguson, a nurse practitioner who provides weekly medical services at the local health centre. These services are offered through the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre to help community members stay safe and healthy.
To stay updated on local news and emergency alerts, the community recently launched a new mobile app in late February 2026 for its 2,200 residents. The app and the health centre are part of the ongoing work to provide direct help to families living in the Southwold and St. Thomas area.
