[IPSM] PRESS RELEASE : Hiway of Tears

[dustin johnson]

> Forum sought to help youth
>
>
> by FRANK PEEBLES Citizen staff
>
> A Lheidli T'enneh band councillor wants a symposium to be organized  
> around the issue of youth at risk, the local criminal element, and  
> the factors that marginalize young people.
> Rena Zatorski made the comments Wednesday saying the recent death  
> of First Nations teen Aielah Saric-Auger was the catalyst.
>
> The Lheidli T'enneh band has offered $1,500 to help get the  
> symposium off the ground.
>
> All the attention on the 14-year-old's disappearance, followed by  
> the finding of her body in a ditch galvanized in Zatorski's mind  
> that it is predominantly aboriginal females who are most at risk.
>
> "The Lheidli T'enneh nation is very aware that many of our  
> aboriginal youth lead dangerous lifestyles," Zatorski said. "It is  
> up to us and all aboriginal communities to close the gap between  
> our broken youth and our communities. We need to be collectively  
> aware of exactly where our youth are and what they are doing. We  
> need to ensure that our youth feel treasured by their families,  
> their friends and their community."
>
> Aielah's body was discovered by a passing motorist in a highway  
> ditch near Tabor Mountain on Feb. 10. Police have not released the  
> time or cause of death, but say they are treating it as suspicious.  
> It is the second homicide of the year in Prince George.
>
> Zatorski is calling on aboriginal and non-aboriginal organizations  
> alike to form the symposium, to take protective action of youth at  
> risk.
>
> "It has really hit home with some organizations because it is a  
> proactive approach, and a lot of parties seem to be interested,"  
> she said. "I think I'll have a clearer understanding by Friday, but  
> I need to stress that this involves all who are willing to  
> contribute their manpower and their resources and take part in this  
> event. It is an urgent call and I intend to get an action committee  
> going ASAP at least on our end."
>
> Zatorski said the Lheidli T'enneh are willing to take a leadership  
> role, but are not assuming it. She hopes leadership and a concerted  
> agenda will emerge from the responders who wish to take part in a  
> symposium. The only absolute component she is set on is the  
> inclusion of at-risk youth in the dialogue.
>
> "The main focus should be on the dispossessed youth and having them  
> involved," she said. "Listening to what they have to say and  
> bridging the communication gap that we have is so important. They  
> are the ones who will be able to provide us with a real solution."
>
> To get involved, call Zatorski at 963-8451.
>
>
>
> _____________________________________________________________
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