Few details about Mr. Chemezie have been released, but he has been described by the RCMP as a black man about 5 foot 6 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a blue jacket with a red sweater and blue and white toque.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of David Chemezie has been urged to contact their local police detachment, or to submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Joel Burdett was reported missing on Tuesday, July 14, after he was last seen the day before, on July 13.

Police describe Burdett as:

Caucasian man standing 6′ 5″ with a slim build, blonde hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a red hoodie and black pants. RCMP say he is also believed to be travelling with a grey and white cat.

Investigators are asking anyone who has seen Joel Burdett or knows where he may be to contact their local police department. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Police have not released any additional details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and continue to ask the public to report any information that could help locate him.

The Terrace Downtown Improvement Area Association is receiving the funding through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, known as REDIP.

The funding will support the creation of an investment attraction plan and promotional materials designed to highlight Terrace’s strengths, including its strategic location, transportation connections, and opportunities for business growth.

The initiative aims to attract new commercial, industrial, and service-sector investment while supporting local job creation and economic diversification.

Terrace Downtown Improvement Area Association President Joseph Lavoie says a strong downtown plays an important role in building a strong community.

He says the project will help attract investment that creates jobs, services, and more opportunities for people who live and work in Terrace.

North Coast-Haida Gwaii MLA Tamara Davidson says Terrace has a strong foundation for future growth, with a skilled workforce and important connections throughout northwestern B.C.

The Province says the project will help position Terrace as a regional service and logistics hub, while preparing the community to benefit from future economic opportunities and major regional developments.

According to information provided by the IIO, RCMP officers conducted a vehicle stop around 3:15 a.m. near the intersection of 86 Street and 97 Avenue involving a black Ford pickup truck.

Two people were inside the vehicle at the time.

The IIO says a weapon was reportedly involved during the interaction with police, and an officer discharged their firearm, injuring the man who was seated in the passenger seat.

The man was transported to hospital by ambulance with serious injuries.

The IIO was notified shortly after the incident and launched an investigation. The agency says investigators have identified multiple witnesses, completed interviews, received several reports including forensic analysis, and are waiting for additional medical information.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The IIO is asking anyone with relevant information or video footage of the incident to contact its Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477 or submit information through the IIO BC website.

The Independent Investigations Office is BC’s civilian oversight agency for police officers and detention guards. It investigates incidents involving officers that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there are allegations of wrongdoing.

In the communication, council leaders acknowledge growing concerns raised by community members about the sale and abuse of illegal toxic drugs, stating that those involved in drug trafficking must be held accountable for their actions.

The council says a new Community Protection Bylaw is in the final stages of review before approval and implementation. The bylaw would establish a formal community protection process for Heiltsuk reserves, allowing complaints to be investigated and heard by an independent committee. Potential enforcement measures include warnings, restrictions, removal orders and emergency removals for conduct considered a threat to community safety.

The letter also highlights findings from a community safety survey conducted last fall and says the Tribal Council remains committed to working with elders, youth, the RCMP, health agencies and neighbouring First Nations to address the impacts of toxic drugs.

As part of that effort, the Heiltsuk Tribal Council plans to host a Health and Wellness Open House in September with community partners and has released the Community Safety Membership Meeting Report and survey results to the public.

The council is encouraging anyone needing support to contact the Heiltsuk crisis line or Heiltsuk Health. Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is asked to contact the Bella Bella RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have improved stream flows in some regions, but warmer and drier weather is expected to continue, increasing the risk of water scarcity across much of B.C.

Areas under close monitoring include parts of the southern coast, southern Interior, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, where some watersheds continue to experience low stream flows. Officials say aquatic ecosystems, fish populations and wildlife remain vulnerable if dry conditions persist.

The province is encouraging voluntary water conservation to help protect watersheds and reduce pressure on local water supplies. If necessary, temporary water protection orders could be implemented as a last resort to maintain stream flows and safeguard fish habitat.

The government says it is continuing to invest in long-term water security through several initiatives, including the $100-million Watershed Security Fund, $100 million invested since 2023 through the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, and $50 million for water meters in rural and First Nations communities. It has also updated its drought response planning and is piloting a new water-scarcity level system in several regions.

Officials say early conservation efforts can help communities better manage drought conditions and protect water resources throughout the summer.

The funding comes through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) and will be used to launch a targeted marketing campaign promoting Prince Rupert as an attractive place to live, work and build a career.

According to the province, the initiative is intended to help employers facing labour shortages while ensuring the community has the workforce needed to support several major development projects expected in the coming years.

A key project driving demand is the proposed $1.35-billion bulk terminal on Ridley Island, which is expected to create as many as 1,900 jobs. The province says the campaign will also support recruitment in critical sectors such as trades, health care, education and service industries.

Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon says investing in workforce attraction helps connect people with rewarding careers while ensuring communities have the skilled workers they need to thrive.

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond says the city is experiencing unprecedented growth and increasing demand for workers across multiple sectors. He says the campaign will help tell the story of a community that is investing in its future and creating new opportunities.

North Coast–Haida Gwaii MLA Tamara Davidson says the initiative will help local employers fill important positions while supporting long-term community growth.

Since 2022, the Province has invested $156.5 million through REDIP, supporting 525 projects and creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities across British Columbia.

The Indigenous youth-led non-profit was recently reactivated with a focus on creating opportunities for youth to learn about their traditions and strengthen their connections to their Gitxsan identity.

Director Amber Morgan says the organization was created to help bring youth and knowledge holders together.

“Our culture and language is protective and healing, and there currently aren’t enough opportunities for kids and youth to learn that solely in the home.”

The organization has been sharing educational videos featuring traditional teachings, including fishing, net mending, harvesting, and other cultural practices. The goal is to make teachings accessible to youth, including those living away from Gitxsan territory.

Founder and Director Stephanie Morgan says connecting youth with Elders is an important part of preserving traditions.

“We really want to make sure that our young leaders are ready to take on all of the responsibilities that will continue our existence as Gitxsan people.”

The Gitxsan Youth Movement Society is currently seeking community support as it works to expand its programming. The organization is looking for volunteers, youth board members, Elders and knowledge keepers interested in sharing teachings, and funding opportunities to help create more in-person workshops and land-based learning opportunities.

The group says its goal is to support Gitxsan youth as they continue learning and carrying forward their culture for future generations.

Ts’aa Gabin has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to protecting the Nisga’a language and traditional knowledge. Her work includes helping develop the Nisga’a Language Student Vocabulary Guide, contributing to the FirstVoices language archive, and creating learning resources that continue to support language learners across the Nation.

Speaking with CFNR News, Ts’aa Gabin said her first reaction to the appointment was disbelief.

“I thought it was a scam. I get a lot of scams,” she said with a laugh.

Once she realized the honour was genuine, she hoped it would reinforce the importance of preserving the Nisga’a language.

“I would think that the Nisga’a Nation would know that our language is very important. That’s why I worked almost 60 years trying to revive our language.”

Ts’aa Gabin said language and culture are inseparable and must be preserved together.

“It’s our life and you cannot separate the two. When you teach language, culture is involved, and with culture, language is involved.”

She said she is encouraged to hear more young people speaking Nisga’a at feasts and community gatherings, adding that confidence grows each time they use the language.

Throughout her career, Ts’aa Gabin has also created workbooks and dictionaries, including a dictionary containing nearly 4,000 words, helping ensure future generations have the tools to continue learning and strengthening the Nisga’a language.