Hundreds of individuals in Prince George came together outside the University Hospital of Northern B.C. (UHNBC) on Thursday night to pay tribute to the memory of Wesley Mitchell, a highly esteemed community advocate. Mitchell, a member of the Wet’suwet’en community, was renowned for co-founding the UHNBC Drum Group, which regularly convened in the hospital’s parking lot to drum in solidarity with healthcare personnel and patients during the pandemic.
The sudden passing of Mitchell was shared by his fellow UHNBC drummers with the community on Thursday afternoon. Later that day, approximately 500 people gathered outside UHNBC to drum collectively and reminisce about Mitchell. His mother, Cathy Furgason, expressed gratitude to the community and highlighted the countless individuals her son had assisted over the years.
Mitchell, alongside co-founder Ivan Paquette, dedicated 47 consecutive days in 2020 to drumming at the Prince George hospital, after which the group continued the tradition every Monday evening. Beyond his drumming activities, Mitchell was a prominent figure in Prince George, offering support at various community events and advocating for the homeless and individuals grappling with addiction.
The late drummer openly shared his past struggles with homelessness and addiction, being one of the initial clients of Prince George’s Indigenous Court, which emphasizes a holistic and restorative approach to sentencing. In 2022, Mitchell ran for a seat on the Prince George City Council, finishing ninth out of the eight elected positions. Throughout northern B.C., elected officials, community organizations, as well as Mitchell’s loved ones, have paid tribute to him online.
The Office of the Wet’suwet’en remembered Mitchell for his humor, laughter, and playful demeanor, expressing that his legacy will endure. Following the event on Thursday, Mitchell’s brother, Rick Mitchell, was amazed by the immense support shown for Wesley, emphasizing his brother’s compassionate nature and dedication to serving others. The Mitchell family is currently in the initial stages of planning a memorial service to honor Wesley’s life and contributions.
