PENINSULA
NEWS REVIEW
National Aboriginal Day held a variety of special events on stage for folks in Sidney, page 3
Look inside today’s edition for your program to what’s going on during Sidney Days 2013
Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
M E D I A
u n i s e x
Day of celebration
Sidney Days Program
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tanning Bed Now Open! ‘Your Good Value Salon’ #106 - 2360 Beacon Ave. (in the Garden Court)
250-656-3622
Watch for breaking news at www.vicnews.com
Steven Heywood/News staff
Runners John Sampson, Kelly Paul and Bernice Smith join supporters of the Heliset Hale Marathon in a long embrace after completing their Island-long journey June 21 at the tribal school on the Tsartlip First Nation. More photos from the conclusion of the marathon can be found on the PNR’s Facebook page.
Marathon offers a message of prevention Steven Heywood News staff
Almost everyone who spoke out during the conclusion of the Heliset Hale Marathon on Friday, June 21, had experienced suicide within their family and hope for a new beginning of openness on the issue in their communities. It was a strong message echoed by many
people who came to the LAU,WELNEW Tribal School at the Tsartlip First Nation, as Kelly Paul, Bernice Smith, John Sampson and their support team ended the 535-kilometer marathon from Port Hardy to the Saanich Peninsula. Hundreds of people met the trio and their team at the Peninsula Co-op on West Saanich Road, joining them for the last leg of their journey. Hundreds more greeted
them at the tribal school, where they ran a victory lap before falling into each others’ arms in a long embrace. While they were happy they had completed the marathon, the runners said they heard stories and hope from people along the way — people who have been touched by suicide in their families or their communities. “All the stories, all the teachings that
250 656-0111 • harbordinsurance.com
were given to us along the way, that only make me stronger and made all of us stronger,” said Paul, who organized the run. “This wasn’t just our journey, this was all of our journey. Every time I ran, I was praying for somebody. Running for somebody. Praying for life.” Please see: Sorrow over and solutions to, page 4