A new “Hope and Strength” billboard along the Highway of Tears is being unveiled thanks to a partnership between the Nadleh Whut’en and Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS).
The billboard will be located 5 KM east of Fraser Lake at the Tse Yaz Bunk’et Gas Bar & Café located along Highway 16 east.
Serina Greene, Family Advocate at Nadleh Whut’en, stated this 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,” says Serina. “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. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.”
CSFS, in partnership with the Highway of Tears Governing Body, raised their own Hope and Strength billboards along Highway 16 in 2023.
“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” said 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. 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.”
An unveiling event at Tse Yaz Bunket is scheduled for today (Tuesday).
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