Billboards
We are Hope We are Strength
In partnership with members of the Highway of Tears Governing Body, Carrier Sekani Family Services created and unveiled four new billboards along the Highway of Tears in August 2022, which were visible until October 2024. The partnership aimed to address Recommendation #9 from the 2006 Highway of Tears Recommendation Report, which calls for the creation of billboards to bring greater awareness to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
Located between Prince George and Smithers, the billboards featured images and messaging of hope and strength to highlight the value of Indigenous people in the north and encourage viewers to reflect on what we all can do to make the Highway and the communities surrounding it a safer place.
The billboards are part of a larger commemorative series project that will include commemorative pillars at each end of the Highway of Tears, which will be unveiled as part of the 20th Anniversary Highway of Tears Symposium in April 2026. The project will also include rest-stop signage and more to honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
“We hope these billboards act as a visual reminder to travelers to be part of keeping Highway 16 safe for everyone. It is time to move forward with Hope and Strength and to honour our loved ones by making Highway 16 safe again.” – Mary Teegee, CSFS Chief Administrative Officer
“While these billboards serve a reminder of our loved ones who went missing – we must do more to stop these violent acts committed against our people and people from all backgrounds. We must collectively take part in ensuring a commitment to building a safer space for all of humanity. Please ensure that your MLA and MP’s help us achieve safe places and spaces for all.” – Corrina Leween, CSFS Board President and Cheslatta Carrier Nation Chief
Sponsorship
CSFS will be leading an ongoing extension of this project by working with Indigenous communities in northern BC to create a second series of billboards. More support and sponsors are still needed for this project.
To become a project sponsor or to get involved, please email us at mmiwg@csfs.org.
Media
All media inquiries can be directed to Andrea Palmer, Director of Communications at apalmer@csfs.org.
