Hwy of Tears Initiative highlights youth safety, community

The Highway of Tears Initiative and the Canim Lake Band Family Wellness Program held a two-day community forum on June 3 and 4, at the Canim Lake Band Gymnasium.

The first day was focused on youth participants who discussed victim services, community healing, information on planning and safety messages to youth, feedback from the youth about their needs and information on the directory of Aboriginal Healers and safe places in the communities along the major highway corridors.

The youth were given information on stereotypes, personal safety planning, safe partying, highway smarts and where to go for help. The group discussed youth needs for the community, healthy lifestyle messaging, interactive workshops, the power in culture and sharing stories.

The Highway of Tears Initiative background began in March 2006 with a symposium that was held in Prince George at the CN Centre. There were over 500 people in attendance which was a “call to action” to increase physical and human services to the First Nation and rural communities along Highway 16.

On October 11,

2007, RCMP held a meeting in Smithers to update the families of the victims on the investigation

into the death or disappearance of their loved ones.

Investigators have identified a set of search parameters which has increased the area of investigation from 724 km of highway to approximately 1,500 km and has expanded the number of missing or murdered women from nine to 18.

These women are human beings who have family, friends and community. The pain of a missing or murdered family and community member never goes away.

I live in the small Native community of Canim Lake. We have three missing women.

We need to keep reminding the youth and young females about the dangers of hitchhiking. Person(s) hitchiking should always tell family point of return and destination, telephone numbers and persons to contact.