From community members, to First Nation Chiefs and Councillors, government officials, and law enforcement hundreds gathered at Boitanio Park in Williams Lake in part of an anti-violence rally Sunday afternoon.
Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty says regardless of where we’re from,we are all family and have to have that sense of community.
“I have troubles when I get calls from people across Canada or when I’m sitting across the way at a boardroom table and crinkles their nose and says how is that working out for you. The only way that we can take charge and change that perception is by taking charge right here and for standing for one another.”
“We had a tragic death Wednesday night and I just want you to take a moment to think that no matter the actions of that young man while he walked the earth, he was somebody’s son, brother, and family member and it’s about community and family-that’s what today is all about.”
The rally which was organized following a youth being robbed of his bike at gunpoint in February, wrapped up at 4 pm.
“When we acknowledge that there is a hurt, and if you don’t feel like you know how to identify that, have your heart open and acknowledge the person beside you and love them and we will begin to see this community heal. We will begin to see the violence decrease,” says Robert Johnson, a Councillor with the Esk’etemc First Nation in Alkali Lake.
Lead organizer, John Paul Albinati says although he cannot guarantee anything, he would like to try to hold another rally this summer.
“I’d really like to try. It’s not bad for a biker-pissed off truck driver to come together and make something like this happen. Just imagine what would happen now that the whole community is on board.”