June 25, 2025

Miller Bay Monument Raised to Honour Those Impacted by TB Hospital

On Friday, June 20, 2025 a monument honouring all those who were impacted by the Miller Bay Tuberculosis Hospital was raised.

The day began in Metlakatla at the home of the Gitlaan carver, Michael Epp. Surrounded by community members, the monument was first blessed. Then, in an act of unity, 40 men carried the monument through Metlakatla to the dock, where it was loaded onto a harbour machining craft bound for Prince Rupert.

Upon arrival at the Rushbrook Dock, the monument was met by Gitwilgyoots, other tribal members, and community alike. From there it was carefully transported through Prince Rupert to its final resting place — the entrance of the former Miller Bay TB Hospital site along Highway 16. There, it was once again carried by hand to its destination.

Before being raised, all in attendance were invited to breathe life into the monument, and it was blessed once more in a spirit of healing and remembrance.

This meaningful project was made possible through the dedication of the Lax Kw’alaams Truth and Reconciliation Department.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Gitlaan carver Mike Epp for his exceptional craftsmanship in creating this monument.

Thank you to all who contributed and came together to make this special day possible—from near and far, your support is deeply appreciated.

Special thanks to some of the key contributors:

• City of Prince Rupert
• Broadwater – for preparing the space on Highway 16
• West Fraser Concrete – laying the foundation on site 
• Harbour Machining – for providing the beam, crafting, truck loading, and parking lot support
• Roy Northern Land and Environmental
• Rupert Towing – for transporting the monument to Metlakatla
• Great Blue Heron Holdings – for moving the monument to the carving shed
• RCMP – for helping to control traffic and walking alongside us from Metlakatla to the very end, ensuring everyone’s safety  
• Wassekom – for providing the copper used in hayetsk
• All contributors of copper from across British Columbia – we read your words, and your copper offerings will forever be part of the monument’s legacy  
• Hashmark Photography Kids4cameras – for taking beautiful photography

To those who gathered medicine, transported chairs, picked up a box, or helped feed a table—thank you. Your care and efforts helped create a space of respect and community.

To all who provided transportation by land and water, we are grateful. Your coordination ensured every part of this project reached its destination safely.

We offer our deepest appreciation to those whose strength and dedication carried the monument from Metlakatla to the Miller Bay site. Your effort was vital.

To the children who, without hesitation, cleared the path with cedar as the drummers and singers led the way—your actions were powerful and full of meaning.

And to the dance groups who came together and brought the heartbeat of the event—thank you for providing the beat of the drums and the strong voices behind our beautiful songs. Your presence lifted the spirit of the day and grounded it in tradition.

Every contribution is woven into the story of this monument—a legacy that will stand on our territory for generations to come.

The Lax Kw’alaams Band expresses its hope that this monument will offer remembrance, comfort, healing, and peace to all who were affected by the Miller Bay TB Hospital.

For more information or to connect with the Lax Kw’alaams Truth and Reconciliation Department:
Phone: 250-624-5000 Ext. 2002
Email: [email protected]

Photography by
Heather Haughian

Blessing the monument in Metlakatla

Departing Metlakatla

Lax Kw’alaams Band Truth and Reconciliation Project Manager Valeen Knott, Gitlaan carver Michael Epp, and Lax Kw’alaams Band Councillor Joey Wesley stand together with the monument visible behind them, loaded on a Harbour Machining craft bound for Prince Rupert.

Arrival at the Rushbrook Dock in Prince Rupert

Departing Rushbrook Dock in Prince Rupert

Arrival at the Miller Bay entrance along Highway 16

Councillor Shawn White

Additional photography by Hashmark Photography and Film:

Gitlaan carver Michael Epp with Valeen Knott, Truth and Reconciliation Project Manager for the Lax Kw’alaams Band, standing beside the monument he carved.

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