The Chief of the Anaham Reserve is urging all young people to take time and consideration to reevaluate where they’re at following Wednesday’s homicide in Williams Lake.
Tsilhqhot’in Tribal Chair, Chief Joe Alphonse says the man who’s life was claimed was a young member from their community who’s life hadn’t even begun.
“The devastation that’s it’s going to leave in our community-you know he has a large extended family and it affects that family in a big way so now we have to go deal with this.”
“People that choose to live this kind of lifestyle, I wish and hope they get to understand the effects they have on their families and their communities. This is not the way to live-you know there’s a better way to enjoy life.”
RCMP say a 20 year old suffering from gun shot wounds, succumbed to his injuries at Cariboo Memorial Hospital Wednesday evening and  believe that the incident was targeted and gang related.
“If we can take care of the drug problem in and around Williams Lake, that takes care of a whole lot of problems,” says Alphonse who believes that more work needs to be done for young people, as well as more opportunities created.
“I believe that we can drown gangs out through culture, and sports and recreation and get kids at a very young age and put them on the right track.”