Connecting By Canoe

By 250 News

Prince Rupert, B.C. -  A handful of RCMP officers from across the region will be part of a group of paddlers will heading out into the waters of the Hecate Strait this morning, on what's meant to be a relationship-building experience...

The 5th Annual 'Gathering Strength Canoe Journey' begins this morning in the tiny First Nations community of Kitkatla, on Dolphin Island south of Prince Rupert. 

Constable Erin Mary Steveson says the excursion brings together members of First Nation communities -- both youth and adults -- along with RCMP officers, and members from other community organizations.  Steveson says, "The Journey gives the adult and youth participants the opportunity to connect with people from other cultures and build positive relationships among all the communities."

She says, "Participants will be involved in traditional singing and dancing, weaving, carving and setting up camp."

The canoeists will spend the next week making their way along B.C.'s northcoast and will travel inland to the First Nations community of Laxgalts'ap.

Four RCMP members from the Prince Rupert City and Rural Units will be participating in the event this year, as well as five other RCMP members from Burns Lake, Kitimat and the Prince George detachments. The RCMP Marine Section will also be accompanying the Journey as a support vessel.

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