The B.C. Assembly of First Nations has finished their 17th annual Special Chiefs Assembly.
The assembly concluded yesterday with speakers that include, Grace Dove, actress/director, on the first day and Autumn Peltier, water protector, on the final day. Regional Chief Terry Teege acknowledged and honoured National Chief Perry Bellegarde who addressed the BCAFN for the final time as he winds down his time at the Assembly of First Nations.
Other speakers included, Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild who spoke on federal legislation Bill C-15. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith and Dr. Shannon McDonald, acting Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority who provided an update on Covid-19 vaccine roll out.
The B.C. Government announced funding to help arts and culture organizations in the North.
The $400,000 in funding is coming through the B.C. Government’s StrongerBC plan. Organizations can use the funding to pay for operating costs such as rent and utilities. Along with paying artists and protecting or restoring jobs such as, theatre technicians, production designers or arts administrators.
As an example, the Bulkley Valley Museum in Smithers is using its supplement to help offset lost revenues. It is also helping the museum extend the employment contract of a staff member in order to continue adapting programming to be Covid-19 safe.
CFNR Network
Mar 4, 2021 10:25 AM
In the afternoon of March 2, RCMP responded to a report from the public of a possible impaired driver. Members conducted patrols and located the suspect vehicle on Keith Ave.
A traffic stop was initiated where an officer conducted a roadside screening of the driver. Through the investigatoin it was believed the driver was impared by drugs. During this time, the passenger of the vehicle was observed attempting to hide bags of a white substance between their legs.
The driver received several violation tickets along with a Driving Prohibition and the vehicle was impounded. The passenger of the vehicle was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Failure to Comply with Undertaking. Police then located gloves which contained suspected Methamphetamines and Purple Fentanyl.