New dates set for Prophet River First Nation’s Treaty Days

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) has announced new dates for its annual Treaty Days celebration.

Treaty Days will now occur from September 6th to September 8th inside the PRFN Sportsplex on reservation grounds.

Initially planned for August 23rd to August 25th, the event –  focusing on gathering and educating residents about Treaty 8 rights – was suspended due to a death within the PRFN community.

Corey Tsakoza was killed in a hit-and-run incident on August 11th in Fort Nelson, and PRFN Chief Valerie Ashkoty says it was an event he “always enjoyed.”

She says part of the festivities, including traditional Dene Handgames, will include a tribute to Tsokoza.

“We will mention him during our celebrations,” said Ashkoty. “His parents are still elders within our community. It will be to honour him.”

She also mentioned Tsakosa’s death remains under investigation, encouraging the public to see anything to “come forward.”

The event will also include axe throwing, slingshot, and traditional smoking and skinning of a moose hide.  

Ashkoty says there is still a vendor search for this year’s event.

Those interested in participating in being an artisan vendor, which includes craftsmen, traditional clothing makers, face painters, or those with an interest in showcasing medicinal products, can contact PRFN Cultural Manager Curtis Dickie by phone at (250)500-1864.

Further information about Treaty Days is available through PRFN’s Facebook page and website.