FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – Mayor Simon Yu, on behalf of the City of Prince George, is proud to announce the official proclamation of September 6, 2024, as Spirit Bear Day.
The proclamation ceremony took place this afternoon at The Exploration Place. Mayor Simon Yu was joined by Cindy Blackstock, a prominent member of the Gitxsan First Nation and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, along with Spirit Bear, a beloved symbol of justice and reconciliation for First Nations children.
The event featured the official proclamation ceremony, a tour of the ‘Spirit Bear and Children Make History’ exhibit, and a special presentation honoring the youth who volunteer as Spirit Bear exhibit hosts and tour guides.
The idea for Spirit Bear Day originated during Mayor Yu’s visit to the ‘Spirit Bear and Children Make History’ exhibit’s opening on June 21, 2024—National Indigenous Peoples Day. The exhibit, a collaboration between the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Caring Society, Carrier Sekani Family Services, and The Exploration Place, has become a powerful platform for educating the public about the importance of ending inequities in First Nations children’s services.
“As I learned more about Spirit Bear during my visit to the exhibition, I wanted to do something on behalf of the City to acknowledge this amazing symbol that is Spirit Bear, and that he spreads such an important message in a gentle way for children,” said Mayor Simon Yu. “Every year on September 6, I want us all to recognize Spirit Bear and what he stands for.”
Who is Spirit Bear?
Spirit Bear, also known as Sus Zul in the Carrier language, was gifted by Mary Teegee of Carrier Sekani Family Services to the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society in 2007. He serves as a symbol of the sacredness of children and has become a key figure in advocating for the rights of First Nations children, most notably during the landmark human rights case Caring Society et al v. Attorney General of Canada, which addressed longstanding discrimination in federally funded First Nations child welfare and the upholding of Jordan’s Principle.
Cindy Blackstock has been an unwavering advocate for these causes, working alongside Spirit Bear to engage children in meaningful actions that promote the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Her work has garnered significant recognition, including the 2023 World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child.
“Spirit Bear Day in Prince George honours all children who stood with First Nations peoples to achieve what the late Elder Elmer Courchene called “Loving Justice.” When Mary Teegee of Carrier Sekani Family Services gifted Spirit Bear to me in 2007, he was immediately put to work as a “Bearrister,” attending the historic human rights case to address Canada’s discrimination in First Nations children’s services. As children of all diversities filled the courtrooms, they held Spirit Bear, and with each hug, his spirit and meaning grew. Spirit Bear is proud that Prince George is his hometown, and I am proud it was my hometown too!”
The ‘Spirit Bear and Children Make History’ exhibit, currently on display at The Exploration Place until October 15, 2024, is designed for children and showcases the puppets and sets from Spirit Bear’s four stop-motion animated films by award-winning Indigenous Studio Spotted Fawn Productions. It shows how youth from diverse backgrounds have stood in solidarity with First Nations to achieve what Elder Elmer Courchene described as "loving justice."
For more information on Spirit Bear, Cindy Blackstock, and the exhibit, please visit the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society’s website at www.fncaringsociety.com.
Image caption: Mayor Simon Yu and Cindy Blackstock with Mr PG and Spirit Bear.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca