'Never forgotten': Kwanlin Dn leaders say Brandy Vittrekwa's death spurred change

Leaders with theKwanlin Dn First Nation in Whitehorse are hopeful the sentencing of Brandy Vittrekwa's killer next week willhelp bring healing to their community.

A teenageboy pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Vittrekwa'sdeath. He admitted to beating her to death on a trail in the McIntyre subdivision, while walking home from a party in December 2014.

• 'I'm trying hard to change my life,' says teen who killed Brandy Vittrekwa

• Teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of Brandy Vittrekwa

Vittrekwa's death shocked the community and spurred the First Nation to take steps to deal with ongoing problems of crime and violence.

"I, for one, have never forgotten about her," said Chief Doris Bill, about Vittrekwa.

"Her death really was a catalyst for all the community, and safety initiatives that we're undertaking in KwanlinDn, and healing initiatives as well."

'We've wanted people to feel safer'

A community safety assessment was undertaken last year.Since then, broken street lights have been replaced and overgrown areas of bush have been cleared.

The First Nationalso established its own tipline and began hiring safety liaison officers.

"We've wanted people to feel safer in our community, we want residents to feel safe in our community, and you know that wasn't the case before," Bill said.

"I can't say people are 100 per cent safe, but we've definitely made a positive impact in that area, I believe."

Jeanie Dendys,the First Nation'sdirector of justice,says one of thenext priorities is to deal withfamily dysfunction.

"That's a major focus," she said.

"We have all of our land-based initiatives,we have really fantastic clinical counselling services, that work with our cultural counsellors."

Dendyssaid the First Nationplans to launch a new land-based healing program for youthlater this summer. Shesays there are also plans to develop a similar program for families.

ChiefBill saysthere's still work to do, but she believes the efforts so far have paid off.

"We've come a long ways in a year, since Brandy's death. And I hope we've honoured her memory ina positive, good way."