â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Welcomed into Williams Lake

The Williams Lake First Nations (WLFN) welcomed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this (Wednesday) morning at the WLFN administration building.

Before his opening statements, a traditional greeting with singing, dancing, and drummers took place, along with a brushing-off ceremony with sage.

Gifts were then exchanged between Trudeau and the First Nation.

“I’m mostly here to listen, to learn, to hear from elders and community members on what the path forward looks like, not just for this community but for this country. In partnership, in respect, in reconciliation,” said Trudeau.

He thanked them for the beautiful welcome and said he was moved to be there.

After the greeting ceremony was held the Prime Minister spent some private time with residential school survivors.

The visit also included Trudeau and Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars making a special announcement.

“We’re announcing $2.9 million today for Phase 2 of the work they’re doing. There will be more phases and more funding to come,” Trudeau said.

“Right now the focus is on documenting and finding the truth but also on supporting survivors, supporting a community that has been retraumatized.”

Chief Sellars said today’s visit by the Prime Minister made him emotional and gave him hope moving forward.

(supplied by Pat Matthews, My PG Now staff)

“The things and the commitments that we talked about today are going to make that meaningful impact with Prime Minister Trudeau so that we can move forward and expedite the healing process of First Nations People in this country,” Sellars said.

“We stand with the leader of this country and discuss things of significance that are really going to be and make a meaningful difference in how we move forward as a community, as a city, as a region, and as a country. There’s still a lot of work to do and Williams Lake First Nation knows and understands that, but this is a great first step.”

– Files by Zachary Barrowcliff, Pat Matthews, and George Henderson, My Cariboo Now

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Darin Bain
Darin Bain
Darin is a news reporter for Vista Radio's Prince George stations. His career started in the Cariboo in 2020, working as a News Reporter in both 100 Mile House and Williams Lake before making the move to Prince George in late 2021.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

RCMP looking to identify suspects in repeated vandalism investigation

The Prince George RCMP are looking to identify suspects in an investigation into repeated vandalism at a residence on the 100-block of McQueen Crescent. According to police, the initial investigation began in late May, when unidentified suspects threw a rock through the front window of the home, and spray painted the front with orange spray paint.

B.C. sharpens claws on exotic cat ownership

British Columbia is moving to ban all exotic cats in the province.

Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders confirmed as victims of hit and run

The Canadian Cancer Society and the Prince George RCMP confirmed yesterday's (Monday) hit and run incident in Prince George did involve two of the Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders, who were out for a training ride together. It occurred just after 9am at the intersection of North Ospika Boulevard and McRae Avenue near Gordon Bryant Park.

Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Tuesday, July 8th

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays  at  Chicago White Sox

Wildfire crews bracing for a change of conditions in the Peace Region

56% of all wildfires have been lightning caused while the remainder are human-caused. Since April 1st, 510 blazes have been ignited in BC.
- Advertisement -