.jpg)
Yesterday is a day I'm still processing.
I started out interviewing one of the survivors of Canada's residential school system for CBC. He told me he was sexually and physically abused and that being able to talk about it as part of the Truth and Reconciliation process at one of the hearings was like having a weight lifted, though he still has a lot of healing to do.
The Truth and Reconciliation process is coming to a close this week. It was established out of a "desire to put the events of the past behind us so we can work towards a stronger and healthier future." It bears witness to a system that was designed to, to use an infamous quote, "take the Indian out of the child."
Starting my day in that context made the second part of my day all the more weighty. I was invited to a Bahl'ats (potlatch) held by the Lheidli T'enneh. Not only was this my first Bahl'ats, it was the first one held be the Lheidli in 69 years- one of a number of cultural practices that were nearly lost as a result of colonization. With help from neighbouring nations and the knowledge of community elders, the Lheidli are hoping to revive the system, and this was the test run. There was a lot of emotion in the room, and a lot of hope about the future of a culture and a history that is experiencing a revival. Having these two events- the Commission and the Bahl'ats- happening in parallel, I can't help but feel like this is some form of turning point in history.
* * *
Speaking of history, I visited George K. Blanis for what was, regrettably, the first time. George's barbershop is one of three businesses shutting down as a result of the pending sale of the Day's Inn. He opened his shop with his father in October 1964 and was preparing for his fiftieth anniversary celebrations when he was told he has three weeks to be out. "It changed my life," he told me. "Unfortunately I know I'm not going to be a barber forever, but I was hoping to get my fiftieth year here, would have been nice to tell everyone in Prince George and all the friends and customers, more or less all the citizens of Prince George, thank them for the years they've supported me."
I put together what I think is a pretty nice story about George, as well as Riley's Pub and Ladles Soup and Sandwich, which you can listen to on the Daybreak North website. I was also gifted also gifted a piece of history for myself from Ladles- the original sign asking people to sign if they think they have the best soup.
* * *
Elsewhere:
- Ending: FutureCents, a youth employment program, is closing its doors after 16 years. I worked with a number of the kids who went through this program at CFUR Radio- lots of people sad to see this go.
- Ending: Riley's is holding its final two concerts tonight and tomorrow. The first is the Final Variety Show with a number of locals including Jamie Bell, who is headed back to Vancouver for work. The second is a fundraiser for the Cambala music festival that happens out at a farm near town- it's the tenth year for this. Speaking of Jamie Bell, Ben Mulroney noticed his story.
- Beginning: hopefully a series of happy birthdays for Jeadan Pacquette. The 11-year-old has autism. As a result, not many people come to his birthday parties. He's turning 12, and his mother decided to invite anyone and everyone to come. The party is tomorrow at the Roll-a-Dome.
- Beginning: A new stage for Foxy De-Rossi. Tomorrow night, Prince George's best-known drag queen Foxy De-Rossi returns to the stage after a four year hiatus to deal with medical issues. De-Rossi has been an advocate for LGBQT culture in northern B.C., a city that just over a decade ago was hesitant to declare Gay Pride anything.
And one more reminder about CBC Music's Searchlight contest to find Canada's best new artist. I have a playlist of every northern B.C. musician entered: some gems in there well worth checking out.
That's it for this morning- hope you enjoy the spring weather. As always, if you have any feedback or anything to say, just hit "reply" or find me on Twitter - @akurjata.
- Andrew
