The Prince George Civic Centre is hosting more than 500 Lejac Residential School survivors and community supporters from across northern British Columbia this weekend.
The gathering brings together 17 First Nations directly impacted by the Lejac Indian Residential School. The reunion is open to registered participants only and is supported by elders, cultural wellness teams and volunteers. It will take place Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28.
Takla Nation says the event, themed Celebrating Friendship, is a community-led initiative aimed at reconnecting, sharing stories and healing in a safe, supportive space.
Unlike traditional memorials, the reunion is not focused on trauma. Instead, the event highlights the strength, relationships and resilience of Lejac survivors.
“This gathering is about healing and honouring each other — it’s not a memorial, it’s a celebration,” said Tamatha French, director of youth, family and community at Takla Nation. “For many survivors, the friendships made at Lejac were what carried them through. We want to give space for those relationships to be honoured and nurtured again.”
The event is hosted and organized by Takla Nation in collaboration with the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
It is funded by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC).
