From now on, September 6th will be Spirit Bear Day in the city.
Mayor Simon Yu, joined by Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society Cindy Blackstock made the proclamation today (Friday) at the Exploration Place.
According to the city, this came about “during Mayor Yu’s visit to the ‘Spirit Bear and Children Make History’ exhibit’s opening on June 21, 2024—National Indigenous Peoples Day.”
“As I learned more about Spirit Bear during my visit to the exhibition, I wanted to do something on behalf of the City to acknowledge this amazing symbol that is Spirit Bear, and that he spreads such an important message in a gentle way for children,” said Mayor Simon Yu. “Every year on September 6, I want us all to recognize Spirit Bear and what he stands for.”
A city notice gives more information on who Spirit Bear is:
Spirit Bear, also known as Sus Zul in the Carrier language, was gifted by Mary Teegee of Carrier Sekani Family Services to the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society in 2007. He serves as a symbol of the sacredness of children and has become a key figure in advocating for the rights of First Nations children, most notably during the landmark human rights case Caring Society et al v. Attorney General of Canada, which addressed longstanding discrimination in federally funded First Nations child welfare and the upholding of Jordan’s Principle.
Cindy Blackstock has been an unwavering advocate for these causes, working alongside Spirit Bear to engage children in meaningful actions that promote the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Her work has garnered significant recognition, including the 2023 World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child.
“Spirit Bear Day in Prince George honours all children who stood with First Nations peoples to achieve what the late Elder Elmer Courchene called “Loving Justice.” When Mary Teegee of Carrier Sekani Family Services gifted Spirit Bear to me in 2007, he was immediately put to work as a “Bearrister,” attending the historic human rights case to address Canada’s discrimination in First Nations children’s services. As children of all diversities filled the courtrooms, they held Spirit Bear, and with each hug, his spirit and meaning grew. Spirit Bear is proud that Prince George is his hometown, and I am proud it was my hometown too!”
The ‘Spirit Bear and Children Make History’ is still on display at the Exploration Place until October 15th, it features puppets and sets from the four Spirit Bear films.
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