Stewart RCMP are investigating a fire at a First Nations fish camp along the Meziadin River.
Mounties were called to the Lax an zok Fish Camp November 18 to find that all the cabins and a walkway had been completely burnt to the ground.
Investigators say the fire was likely set around 1:00 a.m. November 17 and that a pickup was seen leaving the area.
Wilp Wii Litsxw of Gitanyow operates the camp, which feeds hundreds of families with dipnetted sockeye salmon. The buildings were constructed by the Wilp using volunteer labour and donated materials.
In good years, the camp will provide between 5,000 and 10,000 sockeye to Gitanyow members and others who visit the site. Tourists and other visitors enjoy the annual Season-End Barbeque in August of each year, and the Gitwangak Wilp School has used the camp for its annual fishing and hunting trips teaching elementary school children about their culture.
We are very saddened by the attack on our camp, which is just like our home to our Wilp. The individuals responsible have shown a lack of respect for our people and culture, and we ask for the public’s help in bringing them to justice,
said Simogyet Wii Litsxw, Gregory Rush.
Gitanyow Lax Gibuu (Wolf Clan) is holding a feast on Sunday December 1 at 2 p.m. at the Gitanyow Community Hall to help bring back the spirit to the Wilp after their loss, and to fundraise to rebuild the camp.
The Terrace RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the North District General Investigation Section Fire Investigators are investigating
‘It is devastating for the community to have an entire camp destroyed like this,
stated Stewart RCMP Detachment Commander Corporal Derek Rondeau. If you have any information regarding this arson, no matter how small it seems, please let us know
