The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is looking to show support for James Smith Cree Nation.
Tuesday evening the tribal council is hosting a vigil and song in Prince Albert at the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, near the site of the former Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre.
Sheryl Kimbley, special events coordinator for PAGC said they believe it is important to support everyone who has been impacted by the violence which took place on the First Nation. She added James Smith Cree Nation is well represented within the organization.
“Our executive, Grand Chief Hardlotte had asked me to do something where we could help our staff members through this, our community members and of course a lot of our staff is reeling from this,” she said.
The event is set to get going around 7 p.m. Organizers are encouraging any musicians who are interested to come out to join them. People who take part in the song will be singing the song Stand By Me. Kimbley explained Kevin Joesph will be handling the arrangement. She added coming together in music has in the past been a good way to help the overall community during rough times.
“We’re just all showing up and whoever does is going to sing with us,” she said.
Recently there have been a number of events which have been held to show support for those impacted by the violence on James Smith Cree Nation and in the village of Weldon. Kimbley was herself in attendance for a candlelight vigil organized and put on by First Nations University of Canada at Prince Albert City Hall.
“It was beautiful and Chief Wally Burns was there, I was truly moved by that gathering,” she said.
Everyone is being encouraged to come out to the vigil and song to show their support. Kimbley said those who are inclined can bring non perishable food items to donate to the people of James Smith Cree Nation. She added everyone is truly welcome to come and take part.
“This is not a Aboriginal thing, this is a human thing where we can all walk together and stand together,” she said.