Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
Westbank First Nation is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge. When something like this happens, its impact reaches far beyond one community. Like many of you, we feel sadness, anger, worry, and heaviness.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of supporting the wellbeing and safety of our young people and ensuring they feel cared for, connected, and supported. We must continue to foster respectful connections with our school districts, collaborating to ensure schools are safe places.
As syilx people, we are guided by our teachings; to stand together, to hold one another up, and to keep our prayers with those who are hurting. We stand, in unity and support, with the families, the children, the staff, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.