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Prince George Citizen June 17, 2021

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SURGERY MORE DANGEROUS FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, STUDY FINDS – PAGE 5 INDIGENOUS DAY DRUM CIRCLE PLANNED – PAGE 13

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STUDENT OFF TO ELITE U.S. SCHOOL – PAGES 3

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$2.00 Your community newspaper since 1916

Thursday, June 17, 2021

PGCITIZEN.CA

Healing ceremony set for Lejac HANNA PETERSEN

The Nations of Nadleh Whut’en and Stellat’en are hosting a three-day healing ceremony at the site of the former Lejac Indian Residential School, 160 kilometres west of Prince George.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE/LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

BRINGING THE HAMMER DOWN Elena Thomas winds up to throw the hammer on Saturday morning while competing in the Spruce City Invitational track and field meet at Masich Place Stadium.

NUISANCE BYLAW SUPPORTED

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

City council voted in favour of a proposed bylaw Monday that would impose fines for “nuisance” behaviour like panhandling, open drug use and camping in public areas.

While protesters advocating for the rights of the homeless camped on the lawn of city hall, a sometimes emotional

debate about the Safe Streets Bylaw was going on inside city council chambers on Monday night. In a divided vote, city council approved the first three readings of the Safe Streets Bylaw. Mayor Lyn Hall and councillors Garth Frizzell, Terri McConnachie, Kyle Sampson and Brian Skakun voted in favour, while councillors Frank Everitt,

Murry Krause and Cori Ramsey were opposed. Susan Scott was absent. Final reading of the bylaw is expected to come before city council on June 28. If passed, bylaw officers could issue $100 tickets, with a $75 penalty for late payment, for “nuisance” behaviours.

See ‘WHERE on page 2

The event called, ‘Wiping the Tears Healing Ceremony’ takes place between June 18 to 20 will be supported by Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS). This ceremony is intended to allow people, Indigenous and all cultures, the opportunity to grieve and let go of the pain they may be experiencing as a result of the recent finding of 215 unmarked graves of Indigenous children at the Kamloops Residential School site. CSFS said plans include a sacred fire ceremony to release the souls of the children to the Creator. The ceremony will include the presence of Fire Keepers for the duration of three days, as well as opportunities to seek support from traditional healers, mental health clinicians and support workers. Cultural ceremonies and healing activities will occur throughout the three-day event, including drumming and singing, as well as smudging. CSFS said COVID-19 precautions will be in place, and marshals will be present to ensure social distancing and that maximum numbers outlined by Provincial Health regulations are not exceeded at any one time. See ‘UNITED on page 2

• Only 4 units left for sale, rental units fully occupied • YMCA Daycare construction underway • Future Phases in planning stages

Learn more at: ParkHousePG.com


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