Dozens gathered at Cottonwood Island Park this morning (Friday) for the unveiling of the Pillar of Hope, put on by Carrier Sekani Family Services.
The pillar is a permanent commemorative marker honouring Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have gone missing or were murdered along Highway 16.
Chief Administrative Officer Mary Teegee said its been a long battle with advocacy and getting funding.
“To have a dream realized, it’s very meaningful.”
“I just know how much the families hearts are broken and hurting, and if we just give them a moment of reprieve, and that they saw beauty in it, and they find it meaningful to them, it meant so much to me.”
Those who lost family members or friends helped unveil the pillar, saying the names of their loved ones one by one shortly after.
Teegee added that it’s their pillar, giving them something tangible, especially for those who’s loved ones don’t have a grave site to visit.
Another Pillar of Hope will be put up in Prince Rupert, however, the timeline to get that in place is unknown.
The unveiling was part of the Highway of Tears Symposium conclusion.
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