Elder who helped restore Dakelh language to Prince George mourned [Video]

A Lheidli T’enneh elder who played a key role in restoring the Dakelh language and culture to north-central B.C. has died.

Edie Frederick was in a vehicle crash between a taxi and pickup truck Sunday afternoon in Prince George, according to members of the community.

News of her death was shared in social media posts from multiple individuals and organizations, including the Exploration Place Museum, where Frederick had served as a member of the board of directors and helped create the Governor General-award-winning exhibit Hodul’eh-a: A Place of Learning, a permanent exhibit showcasing the history of the Dakelh people in the region.

Frederick’s death came just days after the death of her mother, Josie Paul.

“They were matriarchs in our nation and the backbones of their families,” said musician and friend Kym Gouchie in an online post. “Our nation is in a state of shock and sadness. Lheidli T’enneh will never be the same.”

LISTEN | Mourning 2 matriarchs: …