A PG vigil remembers many overdose victims

Plenty of emotions were brought out at a vigil for overdose victims tonight (Tuesday) at Mr. PG.

A candlelight vigil, naloxone training, and memorial crafts were all part of the event.

But the main focus of the night was to remember the lost family affected by drugs.

“Today is to remember our loved ones, and also to let the larger community know that drugs are having a devastating effect on families and individuals and larger communities. And we want governments to know that there’s much more that can be done to keep our loved ones safe from drugs,” said Paul Siakaluk, a father who had his son die in July 2020.

Another one of the organizers, Corinne Woods, who lost her 22-year-old son in January 2018, said overdose deaths are preventable if people aren’t alone.

“This can happen to any family, it’s so devastating, and the effects of it are so far-reaching. We need something that is done to stop this, it’s a horrible thing that happens to these families,” said Michele Wilkins, who lost her 18-year-old granddaughter.

Wilkins added that she hoped the government would take notice of this and help, as well as to help break some of the stigmas behind drug use.

Some of the people in attendance had loved ones taken from them as recently as this year but came to make their voice heard.

“My son died in Williams Lake this year, March 31st. He was 26 years old. And I’m here today to let everybody know that our children are recognized. They weren’t just some piece of garbage thrown away. They were loved, and they’re still loved, and they’re still in our hearts,” said Tracy Laberge.

“I believe we need to have a community within our community, and our government needs to be more a part of what we are dealing with,” said Michelle Miller, whose son died in October 2019.

“I’m here to bring more awareness concerning the opioid crisis in Prince George,” said Juliette Sam, who lost her daughter in November 2019 in PG.

Sam added that the crisis is getting more recognized, and she hopes the crosses show how many people are affected by this.

“We along with Moms Stop the Harm would like to advocate for our government to provide a safe supply of drugs for addicts,” said Toby Haiste, whose son died in June 2016.

“Our children, no matter what walk of life they are, were all loved. And they are severely missed by everybody,” said Ken Dueck, who lost his stepson in July 2019.