Today was a surprisingly easy day. It started a bit later than I expected. Last night, in Bev’s trailer on Nadleah Whut’en Reserve, I had the best sleep for a long time and slept in. That meant I had to go fast to make the 90 km to Burns Lake in time to meet Maria at Elizabeth Fry Society office. We planned to meet at 1:00 pm and I got there at 1:20 – so it was a push. I still got there ahead of Sonja and Colleen who were driving from Prince George!
The head wind was strong. I had hoped to meet and join the vigil on the Highway for Destiny but there must have been a change in plans as they were not on the road.
I had a great conversation with Maria at Elizabeth Fry. She was born and raised in Burns Lake and is full of ideas. We spoke about possibilities for change:
- Explore what possibilities there are rather than staying fixed on the problems.
- Develop positive environments in communities for young people.
- Develop a ride system for young women that offers them alternatives to hitchhiking in areas like Highway of Tears.
- Teach kids to question what they hear and see around them, and instill critical thinking.
- Develop educational programs in the school system on gender and relationships.
- Don’t isolate children and cut them off from their relationships with adults and peers when they misbehave or bully. Isolation as a punishment is a mistake because they still need and crave attachment with the adults and their friends to make change.
We acknowledged that it is difficult to engage men in the process of change and that we need overarching strategies to get men involved, and we need to start by working with boys.
In regards to the Highway of Tears, it appears that the RCMP is doing a much better job investigating crimes.
Maria spoke of some positive changes in Burns Lake: after the explosion of the sawmill, January 20, 2012 the community came together to support each other. The city has developed more infrastructures for youth that provide them with opportunities to get active (we had a chance to try out some of the outdoor gym equipment at the waterfront park, and saw the kids at the bike park, later in the day – lots of fun!).
Sonja and Colleen caught up with me in Burns Lake and joined some of the discussion with Maria. Colleen and Maria spent some time talking about the work of Coordinating Committees, which was interesting for them.
We ended up in a hotel, after some other cyclists told us that the campsite was not an option. That meant we had internet and some time to catch up on organizing and planning. Unfortunately we missed connecting with Laura Robinson’s friend Emma – so that was too bad.
Tomorrow Sonja and i will ride together to Smithers while Colleen (with co-pilot Poppy the dog) will provide support from the car, and hopefully organize some lunch along the way!
My office on the way to Burns Lake!
Sonja and Joachim – two activists in front of a highly debated sign in Burns Lake
Joachim, Sonja and Colleen at the cafe in Burns Lake
Burns Lake in the evening
