A special pledge is being made across Lheidli T'enneh territory.
The First Nation has launched its Pledge of Respect Campaign, said chief Dominic Frederick, empowering "members and staff who are standing up against lateral violence, bullying and intimidation within our community and surrounding communities."
A celebrity supporter has joined the campaign. UFC fighter Kajan 'Ragin' Johnson came to Lheidli T'enneh to speak with members about hard work, sacrifices and humility. Johnson grew up in the local region and told The Citizen he was going next to his hometown of Burns Lake to do a similar social development appearance there with the Lake Babine Nation.
Johnson and Lheidli T'enneh family development co-ordinator Darcy Dennis took the Pledge of Respect to ceremonially launch the campaign on Thursday night.
Frederick said the Pledge of Respect Campaign brings ideas of community and support to the front of the mind of participants.
"We are all valued, and your health and safety is our concern. Everything we do is rooted on the principles of respect for one another," the chief said. "This campaign reinforces that as Lheidli T'enneh community citizens, we are all valued and appreciated. Our commitment as leaders is to recognize that you and your families all make a valuable contribution to our community and our Nation. This is a community-led response to combat lateral violence in all forms."
