LHEIDLI T’ENNEH BAND
“The People From the Confluence of the Two Rivers”

March 28th, 2006
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Highway of Tears Symposium takes place March 30th and 31st at the CN Center in Prince George BC. The symposium will begin at 9:00 am both days. Media is welcome to attend and cover this very important event on March 30th only. A media room is available, along with a designated area on the main floor. 

A march will begin the symposium. Matilda Wilson will be leading the march which will begin at 8:30 am and will extend from the corner of Ospika Blvd. and Massey Drive to CN Center. Matilda Wilson joined Florence Naziel, and other supporters, on the Highway of Tears Awareness Walk which began in Prince Rupert on March 11. This will be the conclusion of the Highway of Tears Awareness Walk. Those interested in joining in to show support for the walkers and the victims are asked to attend.

Most importantly the symposium will be covering sensitive issues, therefore we ask that coverage be conducted in a respectful manner.

Please contact Lheidli T’enneh Councillor Rena Zatorski for further details at (250) 963-8451.


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Highway of Tears Symposium
Future Solutions Now

Day One – March 30th
Presentations

Chair: Dan George
Co Chair: Mary Teegee

8:30 – 9:30 Conclusion of the Highway of Tears Awareness Walk – Begins at Ospika Blvd. and Massey Drive at 8:30

Refreshments/Registration

9:30 – 9:45 Welcoming

Chief Dominic Frederick, Lheidli T’enneh Nation
Jackie Thomas, Honoring Song for the Families
Willie Abrahams, Eagle Spirit Dance for the Walkers

9:45 – 10:45 Victims Families Share, What Could Have Helped You?

Wilson Family
Naziel Family
Hoar Family
Chipman Family
Saric/Auger Family
Jack Family

10:45 – 11:00 BREAK

11:00 – 11:30 Bev Jacobs, Native Women’s Association of Canada

11:30 – 11:45 John Les, BC Solicitor General

11:45 – 12:30 RCMP “E” Division

12:30 – 1:15 Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 Speakers

Grand Chief Ed John, First Nations Summit
Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
Lillian George, United Native Nations
Charlene Belleau, Assembly of First Nations

2:15 – 2:30 BREAK

2:30 – 3:30 Stan Hagan, Minister – Ministry of Children and Families
Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament – Skeena – Bulkley Valley

Panel: BC Members of Legislative Assembly
Gary Coons, MLA - North Coast
Diane Thorne MLA - Coquitlam-Maillardville
Jagrup Brar MLA - Surrey-Panorama Ridge

3:30 – 4:00 Justice for Girls

Day Two – March 31st
Action Planning

8:30 – 9:00 Refreshments/Registration

9:00 – 9:15 Opening Prayer

Lheidli T’enneh Elder

Welcoming, Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley

9:15 – 9:30 Recap of Day One

9:30 – 9:45 Layout of Day Two

Establishing Emergency Readiness Team
Counseling and Support Strategy
Community Development Strategy
Prevention

9:45 – 10:45 Breakout Groups

10:45 – 11:00 BREAK

11:00 – 12:00 Breakout Groups

12:00 – 1:00 LUNCH

1:00 – 3:00 Facilitators Recap Top Recommendations

3:00 – 3:15 BREAK

3:15 – 4:00 Next Steps - Open Discussion