February 22, 2006
For Immediate Release
Family Statement re: death of their loved one, Aielah Saric-Auger
Cheryl Kosy, gatekeeper for the family of the late, Aielah Saric-Auger,
wishes to extend their thanks to the RCMP for all the assistance and support
they have provided to them during this difficult time. Contrary to what has
been reported in the media, the RCMP have been readily available to them and
have gone over and above the family's expectations to keep them apprised of
all aspects of first the search for Aielah and then the ongoing
investigation. We have been informed that there is no indication that what
happened to Aielah is connected with the "Highway of Tears", and we believe
this to be true. "We want everyone to know that our experience with the RCMP
has been positive and we deeply appreciate their help," said Kosey.
Our family has also had overwhelming support from the staff and students
from D.P. Todd Secondary School, Victim's Services, Ministry of Children &
Family Development, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, E. Fry Society, Staples,
Ministry of Economic & Income Assistance, Northern Health Authority, Métis
Nations BC, as well as cultural and spiritual support from a local Elder and
his wife. In addition, a local hotel provided the entire family with shelter
when they had to leave their homes because the media was pursuing them. "It's
hard to believe the way people have come together to help us. It's not
something we are used to because we usually rely on each other to get
through bad times. It's so overwhelming, it's hard to describe how thankful
we are."
We would also like to express our deep appreciation to the Prince George
Native Friendship Centre for their overwhelming support, guidance and
friendship to our family. They have walked alongside us since the start of
this tragedy and have respected our need to grieve and lay our little girl
to rest. Our loss and the pain we are experiencing will forever change our
lives and we will not be a part of sensationalizing our little girl's death.
We have therefore chosen not to speak to the media and the Friendship Centre
has supported and respected our request by declaring the Centre a no-media
zone, their sole goal has been to support us through this difficult time.
Words cannot fully express the appreciation we have for the help they have
provided to us and the support of every one of the staff we have come in
contact with.
For all those who have been inquiring about a memorial service, the family
had a private memorial on Friday February 17, 2006 at the site where Aielah
was found. The family will be taking her back to Gift Lake, AB, not
Driftpile as reported earlier, for services and burial.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that all donations, cards and/or
other inquiries be directed to the Executive Director of the Prince George
Native Friendship Centre on their behalf.
God Bless You All,
>From the Auger, Saric and Cunningham families
Native News North
List info{all lists}:
http://nativenewsonline.org/natnews.htm
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NatNews-north/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
