Holiday Message from the Chief
Season's Greetings!
As I sit here to write this message to you, I can’t believe we are already in December 2022! Where has the time gone?
It has been a difficult year for many in our community with the death of so many loved ones, particularly with the discovery of the remains of Nickolas John. Our hearts go out to Donna John and her family. We know how difficult it was for you to wait to get confirmation that it was indeed your son Nickolas. Your family is in our prayers and as well as all those who have experienced loss over the last year.
Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for some, and I hope you surround yourselves with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you are struggling. Know that you are loved and cared for, and you are not alone.
To honour our loved ones who have passed, we will be hosting a Blue Christmas this year to remember and celebrate those who have gone before us. This will take place on Dec. 4th at 2 PM at the Multiplex.
I want to acknowledge our Elders who are still with us. Thank you for your strength and the love you show to our community and our members. Your knowledge is priceless, and we appreciate each and every one of you.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, we have been happy to be able to gather in person again. Because of this, we met with our off-reserve members in Prince George to provide updates and did some outreach in the downtown area.
Saik’uz now has a new prevention team under our Health Department that will work directly with our children and families. We are so incredibly happy as this was much needed in our community. The team has been doing a tremendous amount of work planning and organizing cultural and family events in community. I would like to acknowledge the prevention team and thank them for all their hard work. I look forward to bringing our children home for a Christmas party on Dec. 3rd.
The Social Development department will be delivering holiday food hampers on Dec. 14th to all houses in Saik’uz. It takes a lot of work and planning to get these hampers filled and ready to go. I would like to thank those of you who volunteered your time and helped! Please be home this day to receive the hamper or call the Social Development department to make alternative arrangements.
Our community continues to move forward in our efforts to build a better future for our members. Our staff have had a busy year! I have watched them be stretched to their limits, but they continue to carry on and do the best that they can in their respective positions. I would like to thank them all for their hard work and dedication to our organization. We have been through so much during the last couple of years because of COVID, but we continue to per
severe. I am so very thankful to you for having patience with our office as we maneuvered through many obstacles.
I look forward to 2023! We have so many new projects starting, and it will be another year of growth and prosperity for our community. Let’s look at it as a fresh start and a year of new beginnings!
On behalf of Chief and Council, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Chief Priscilla Mueller
© 2019 Saik'uz First Nation
