United States Drug Enforcement Administration

OMAHA, Neb. –The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Field Division hosted its fourth annual Family Summit at the University of Nebraska-Omaha Thompson Alumni Center today, focusing conversations on the impact of fentanyl and other drugs on tribal communities while also integrating indigenous healing practices into the agenda. Fifteen tribes were represented at the event, in addition to the families of 10 individuals who lost their life to a fentanyl overdose. 

The Family Summit began with a smudging led by members of the Bluebird Cultural Initiative and was followed by drug trend reports from the DEA and local law enforcement agencies. Twenty high school students participated in the Teen Summit, which ran simultaneously to the Family Summit. Students learned about healthy alternatives to drug use and the consequences of drug experimentation. Teenagers and adults came together for a performance from World Champion Wichita War Dancer Greg Victors and drumming sounds and a round dance led by The Horse before departing.

“Today’s Family Summit allowed us an opportunity to connect with and hear from several of our Midwestern Tribal community members,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. “The fentanyl epidemic touches countless lives and it’s important that we keep the line of communication open in order to find new avenues to reach people from all walks of life.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 80,000 deaths by drug overdose in the United States in 2024, with fentanyl accounting for nearly 70 percent. In the first nine months of 2025, 3.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl have been removed by the DEA across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. 

To learn more about fentanyl or to find resources to share in your community, visit dea.gov/onepill.