For 18 years Violet Bozoki has been the Lheidli T’enneh elder advisor at Positive Living North (PLN).
Most of Bozoki’s work is done at the Fire Pit, PLN’s street-level outreach program that offers the most vulnerable people in downtown Prince George a safe space to go because that’s where she believes she is most needed.
The Fire Pit program was created to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic Northern BC communities are experiencing.
The Fire Pit is a place where people can gather, learn, share and understand culture, health and community. It is a place where people can do crafts, artwork, have a bite to eat, join a talking circle, talk to supportive staff and get more information about health, HIV/AIDS and HCV.
Bozoki is a firm believer in leading by example.
“If people see me do something, they know it’s safe to do, too,” Bozoki explained. “During the pandemic, I was the first one in the lineup to get my vaccination. If an elder can get it then so can you and then once I had mine, others got there’s too. It was what was needed.”
Even another elder who volunteers at the Fire Pit only got his vaccination once Bozoki got hers.
Bozoki is even on a poster to help encourage people at Positive Living North to get tested for HIV/AIDS.
“I want people to know that I got tested, and maybe then they will get tested, too,” Bozoki added.
And she’s not known as Violet around the Fire Pit. She is Grandma or Auntie.
“From the first day I met Rosemary (Jamal, PLN’s program manager) she never ever called me by my name, I’m Auntie,” Bozoki smiled.
And what keeps her coming back?
“I just love the people,” Bozoki said.
“Everyone is welcome here. We are one big happy dysfunctional family.”
