An event was held to offer aid to the community of homeless people.
On Wednesday, over 300 people attended a traditional healing “fire” that was organized by community organizations and First Nations at Moccasin Flats.
“We have been doing cultural healing fires once a month. To support the community of people without homes, we have been holding smaller events like this one every few months, according to Misia Slugocki, a wellness specialist with Carrier Sekani Family Services who specializes in mental health and addiction rehabilitation.
Despite the event’s name, due to the existing ban, no actual fire was lit at this time; instead, branches were placed where the fire would normally be housed.
Uniting Northern Drug Users (UNDU) served as the event’s host, and guests included Carrier Sekani Family Services, UHNBC drummers, the Tl’azt’en and Saik’uz First Nations, the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, and PGNAETA.
Along with traditional drumming and chanting, there were harm reduction supplies, hamburgers, hot dogs, iced tea, water, coffee, fish, and goodies provided.
“We also received many donations from the community, so it’s just been a partnership of a number of us, and it’s just been a lovely wonderful thing of community between everyone putting in a lot of work,” one of us said.
Slugocki stated that it’s crucial to keep in mind to have compassion for the population of homeless people.
They are people just like us, and they are here for a variety of reasons. We have many different folks with mental health concerns and it’s not just about booze and drugs,” she remarked.
“Be aware that they are just people like us; there are many different reasons why they are here, why they are housed, and why they are on the streets.”
