Masset RCMP are looking forward to this weekend's huge youth gathering at Tow Hill and Masset, says Sgt. Jim Vardy.
Sgt. Vardy said the entire event has been incredibly well organized by Harmony Williams of the Old Massett youth program and he expects it will be a peaceful and enjoyable time for the participants.
Many of the young people have come from Haida, Nisga'a and Tsimshian communities off-island to attend the gathering.
Police will be patrolling throughout the weekend to make sure everyone is safe, Sgt. Vardy said, and four members will be working during the sunrise dance which starts Sunday night and continues to early Monday morning.
"We can't wait to interact with the youth," Sgt. Vardy said. "We've got to support them, they're the future."
The gathering includes traditional food and medicine-gathering hikes, sports and cultural activities.
The gathering is the first of its kind, and came out of a suicide prevention workshop held in Prince Rupert in the spring.