How this giant arbour 'coliseum' is helping a First Nation heal and fuel a cultural resurgence

WARNING: This story contains distressing details.

When Clifford Lebrun looks out his back window, he sees a giant structure taking shape.

Every day, the chief of the Lhtako Dené Nation near Quesnel, B.C., watches band members with hammers and chainsaws work alongside contractors, building a circular powwow arbour that’s open to the sky.

At each entrance to the arbour, a community member has created colourful, intricate carvings for each of the nation’s clans: bear, beaver, eagle and frog. 

For the chief, the building is a point of pride, a cultural treasure for the community of about 190 people — and a symbol of healing. 

“We suffered some real bad tragedy last