A new billboard, advocating awareness for the the Missing and Murdered Indigenous people was unveiled along Highway 16, near Fraser Lake on Tuesday, (June 25).
The billboard, unveiled amidst drumming and speeches, features the message of 'Hope and Strength' and is located 5 kilometres east of Fraser Lake at the Tse Yaz Bunk’et Gas Bar & Café.
It was erected by Nadleh Whut’en, in partnership with Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS).
Talking about the event, Serina Greene, Family Advocate at Nadleh Whut’en said the moment exemplifies the strength of the Nadleh community.
“The billboards are important to draw awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous people along Highway 16 and to bring hope and strength to our people,” Greene said.
“It took a lot of people and partnerships to make this possible, and it warms my heart to see so many come together for justice," she said, adding, "I get goosebumps just thinking about it.”
Last year, CSFS, in partnership with the Highway of Tears Governing Body, raised their own Hope and Strength billboards along Highway 16.
“Highway 16 has been a place of hurt for many Indigenous families, and we want to honour those families to the best of our abilities” says Julie Daum, CSFS Executive Director of Justice.
“Amidst the heartache of the Highway of Tears, these Hope and Strength billboards are a symbol of our resiliency," she said.
"The strength shown by families who have lost loved ones along Highway 16 is inspirational, and gives us strength in our campaign for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, Boys, and 2SLGBTQQIA individuals who are missing or have been murdered along this highway. All of this work is for them.”
