Council Statement on Racism and Threats

March 25, 2022

Mayor Lori Ackerman, on behalf of the City of Fort St. John Council, has issued the following statement regarding abhorrent racist and threatening remarks towards Blueberry River First Nation’s Chief Judy Desjarlais.

“The City of Fort St. John strongly denounces racism in all forms. We were dismayed and saddened to hear the horrible remarks towards Blueberry River First Nation’s Chief Judy Desjarlais regarding the Province’s proposed hunting closures.

“The City of Fort St. John has been participating in conversations with the Provincial government, local governments and First Nations regarding Treaty rights. During these conversations, we have been actively asking the Province to own their decisions and not to leave the potential for racism to be directed at our First Nations.

“We value the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples who have lived and worked on the land for time immemorial and are committed to meaningful reconciliation to continue building a shared future based on relationships and mutual respect, beginning with acknowledging, reflecting and learning the truths.”

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