Nazko First Nations Chief Leah Stump says Quesnel “can learn a lot” from yesterday’s Healing Fire at Prince George’s Courthouse.
The Healing Fire is a day-long gathering that provides food and support services to the unhoused community. Carrier Sekani Family Services organizes these events in communities in and around Prince George. Nazko First Nations hosted this month’s Healing Fire in Prince George’s to learn what goes into organizing fires in Quesnel.
“We don’t have anything like this in Quesnel,” says Stump, detailing that Nazko is planning its first Healing Fire on March 12. “We thought it was a great idea to piggyback on and offer to our members.”
The Echen Healing Society and Nazko First Nations recently opened an overnight shelter in Quesnel during the cold snap. Stump believes opening the shelter is a good first step, but says they and the town “could do more” for the unhoused peoples.
“[A Healing Fire] would really benefit them,” Stump says. “We could gather all the people, all the different resources, and different places in Quesnel together in one place where people can find those resources.”
The Healing Fire next month with be Nazko’s first event.
“We’ll carry this on every month, and we’ll do the same and ask for hosts,” says Stump. “Whoever wants to help and become a host in Quesnel, all you do is sign up.”
Stump says there will be a poster and sign up sheet for their first Healing Fire next month. After the best way to sign up will be through Nazko’s health team.
She extends her gratitude to Carrier Sekani for “showing other nations that there is a way to help, and to share.”
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
