Several gathered in Smithers and Witset to recognize Red Dress Day yesterday. (Sunday)
This included friends and families of indigenous peoples who were murdered or went missing from the region.
Events started in Smithers outside the RCMP detachment where stories and emotions from Burns Lake to Hazelton were shared.
Following speeches and drumming, a parade of vehicles travelled to Witset where another event was held at the community’s Multiplex.
Posters with individuals who have been lost were hung on the walls, including where and when they were last seen.
This year’s federal budget included $1.3 million over the next three years to create an alert system like amber alerts for indigenous people.
“It sadly isn’t nearly enough to get a system up and running across the country,” said Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Taylor Bachrach.
“There’s a lot of work left to do and we’re going to keep pushing alongside advocates from our region to ensure when the government does come out with a Red Dress Alert system it benefits Northern BC.”
The event in Witset was accompanied by a BBQ put on by the local Health Centre.
