Leona Brown

I am the only sibling who lives away from our homelands. We were blessed to be able to travel home to Hazelton on May 23, 2026. To see my brother Gary for the last time. Due to cost of living and lack of work, we found support to get here. But no financial supports to get back to Vancouver. We been here trying yo find transportation back. Bus is too complicated but held as a last resort. Average cost by bus would be $400-500, 2 buses and a hotel. Ride share, average cost is $800-900 to hire a driver. Flight costs are anywhere from $1600 to $2100 for 3 passengers. and luggage. I pray we can get funds together to make it back to Vancouver by june 12. We have loved being on homelands and seeing the amazing cultural work being done around farming and food soveriegnty. This trip back was very sad but also filled with alot of love and meeting new family as well. I am Gitxsan and Nisga'a and work as an Indigenous advocate in food sovereignty in vancouver and public speaker. I have 3 children, age 21, 15, and 13.