The first of the monthly planned Nazko Healing Fires warmed Spirit Square in Quesnel in the late morning.
The Healing Fires are social gatherings to support unhoused people in local communities. The Healing Fire gatherings in B.C. being organized like in Quesnel and last month in Prince George, were first set up by Carrier Sekani Family Services.
“We thought it was a great idea to bring it to Quesnel because we don’t have many places to gather, with different resources to share,” says Chief Leah Stump of Nazko First Nations. “We want to be here to show our support.”
Over 50 people gathered in Spirit Square and along Reid St for the event. The Nazko First Nations opened the event with a prayer and drumming welcoming travelers.
Local vendors and social services in Quesnel donated and helped with this first event.
Mo Chara donated fresh soup, and Nazko Elders made fresh bannock that morning. West Fraser donated take-home food and beverages.
Dozens of boxes of clothes had been donated for the Healing Fire. Four more tables carried house and medical supplies. Members from Amata Transition House, the women’s shelter, and a member of the First Nations Health Authority were in attendance.
“ I think there’s so many different organizations here in Quesnel that the community will benefit from learning about the events,” says Chief Stump. “We will be taking sign ups for other organizations who want to help host our next ones.”
Nazko collaborated with Carrier Sekani for this first Healing Fire event in Quesnel. Nazko hosted Carrier Sekani’s last Healing Fire a month ago.
“We started hosting a Healing Fire in February 2023, to rebuild a sense of community among marginalized populations. Especially after the pandemic which left many feeling isolated,” Patrick Coon, Coordinator for Carrier Sekani, and a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, South of Vancouver Island.
“ These healing fires offer a welcoming space for friends and family to gather, and strengthen connections with community resources. The healing fire also raises awareness about issues like housing, addiction, and overdoses while bringing together different organizations, nations, and businesses to support vulnerable populations.”
Nazko plans to have Healing Fires monthly. Stump says she hopes that as the weather gets better, they can find a spot that allows them to have their event around a real fire.
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