Photo and Words by: Rebecca Dyok.
It was 150 years in the making Sunday, in Quesnel, as First Nations and non-first Nations people gathered together to commemorate the lives of 6 Chiefs who lost their lives in defense of their lands and their peoples.
John Rustad, provincial Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, who was in attendance says he spoke with Premier Christy Clark, who was extremely saddened she was unable to be there.
“It wasa a very important day for her, but also for the province,” he says. “On Thursday, she delivered the powerful statement in the Legislature, there with Chief [Joe] Alphonse and Chief Roger William present. That was very moving and very touching.”
“I know she would have liked to have been able to be here to deliver that message in person to the rest of the Tsilhqot’in people and all who are gathered here,” Rustad continues.
The Commemoration which began outside near the GR Baker Memorial Hospital with speeches from Rustad, municipal leaders, and Chiefs from the Shuswap, Chilcotin and Carrier First Nations, concluded at the North Cariboo Campus (UNBC) with hopes of building a new trail in which everyone can stand shoulder to shoulder.
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