It was very powerful experience celebrating Orange Shirt Day Monday in Boitanio Park. It was great to have Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo and Murray Porter back in Williams Lake.
All of the speakers focussed on the fact that every child matters, even when they are not children anymore. As Superintendent of Schools Mark Thiessen said, we need to be respectful not only when talking to others, but when we are behind closed doors as well.
Respect is the foundation of healthy relationships. We all need to do our part to promote healing and moving forward. School District 27 has committed to creating new curriculum addressing Canada’s residential schools, and to invited residential school survivors into school to share their stories.
This is very welcome and long overdue. Thanks to Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day committee, City Social Development Manager Anne Burrill, and the CRD for all of their effort.
Gibraltar Mine celebrated their commitment to the Cariboo last week, highlighting the recent capital expansion. The $325 million expansion means an additional 150 workers at the mine, most of them from Williams Lake.
Gibraltar’s annual payroll is $70 million, with 94 per cent of that staying in the local economy. Gibraltar also spends over $100 million each year in the region on services and supplies.
Congratulations to the six local riders who took part in the 850-kilometre Cops for Cancer Tour de North. Cops for Cancer has raised more than $300,000, including funds from the Tour de North, and the recent Jail n’ Bail, in which both the CAO and I were thrown in the slammer.
It was a great experience for a very worthy cause!
Kerry Cook is the mayor of Williams Lake.