Gitlaxt’aamix Elders host
Aboriginal Day celebrations in Gitlaxt’aamix on Thursday June 21, 2012.

The event began with a parade lead by the Mass-Nass Band. A spokesperson from the Gitlaxt’aamix Village Government (GVG) shared:“the elders dedicated this year’s festivities to those left behind and others that may be affected by cancer."

To support this initiative many of the 34 parade participants created signs or pictures to remember loved ones whom succumbed to cancer or wrote inspiring words of encouragement to others, and even some of the floats featured survivors who are cancer free.

Many of the organizers and some parade entrants wore “Pink”; the national color for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Sim’oogit Hleek (Dr. Joseph Gosnell) after his opening prayer in Nisga’a began to thank all the people for taking the time to attend the Aboriginal Day festivities. He encouraged all those in attendance to value their health and pay attention to the messages your body is sending you. “We are given one body and it is up to us to take care of it”.

The deputy chief, Gerald Robinson, said “it is important for our community to organize events like this to uplift the community”, “we need time to have some fun and with the support of our village government administration working with the elders we achieved that”. He also wanted to Thank: CFNR , Robin Austin and the communities of Laxg’galtsap, Gingolx and Gitwinksihlkw for their participation.