The Filipino community of Williams Lake is holding a Luksang Bayan, or community mourning, on Saturday, May 10 in memory of the lives lost during the Lapu-Lapu event in Vancouver.
Everyone is welcome to gather with the Filipino community, supported by Esk'etemc, at the A&W parking lot at 3 p.m. There will be drumming, singing and smudging during the prayer vigil and people are welcome to bring candles and flowers.
"It's so heartbreaking for us, it's devastating," said Shelly Herrera of Williams Lake about the tragic death of eleven people and the injury of at least two-dozen people during the April 26 Lapu-Lapu festival in Vancouver during which an SUV was driven into the crowd. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested in relation to the incident and faces eight counts of second-degree murder.
“As we unite, let's honour the memories of the 11 lives tragically lost in Vancouver and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit,” wrote Esk'etemc councillor Irene Johnson on her Facebook page as she invited community members to bring their drums, rattles and regalia to heal together on May 10.
Herrera estimates there are at least 200 people in Williams Lake's Filipino community, and though this is a difficult time, she said the community is resilient.
"We are standing in unity and I pray for them. We offer condolences to the victims and families affected," she said.
To support those impacted by the tragedy, you can donate to United Way BC’s Kapwa Strong Fund. One hundred per cent of donations will go towards Vancouver's Filipino community and those affected by the tragedy through mental health services and trauma counselling, food assistance and events and spaces for community to connect and share resources.
For free, confidential support, call or text VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 or email 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc. You can also visit the Crisis Line Association of BC’s website.
With files from Lauren Collins and Karl Yu.
