It was four years ago when a group of 47 people gathered in front of Prince George’s hospital to drum and support healthcare workers at the start of the pandemic.
Now known as the UHNBC Traditional Drummers, the group celebrated their anniversary in front of the Northern Health office across from the hospital today (Saturday).
“We stood strong in all weathers, through each variant of COVID we stood strong,” Wesley Mitchell, a founding member of the UHNBC Traditional Drummers, told My PG Now. “When you’re here, you see the tender loving care for people… it is an honour to be part of.”
The group routinely performs at events across Prince George, but they haven’t lost their roots – still drumming every Monday night at 6:00 outside of UHNBC in support of the healthcare workers and patients within.
Mitchell said himself and his members have been flagged down in public by medical professionals and support workers to thank them for their continued support over the last four years.
“Hopefully they get to go home to their family with a little more positive energy,” Mitchell said. “People were drained, people were dying, still today that happens.”
The group continued to honour first responders as a part of the 4th anniversary, numerous paramedics and members of the RCMP were on site for the occasion.
“We are gifting some drums to each of these departments,” Mitchell said. “We are gifting some drums to each of these departments, the Lheidli T’enneh, the City of Prince George.”
He also reminded the community that everyone is welcome to drum with the group, and they still meet every Monday night in front of the hospital at 6:00.
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