A Prince George-area First Nation is gearing up to hold its first Potlatch in over 70 years.

The Lheidli T’eneeh are hosting 20 First Nations representitives from around northern B.C. this week as they prepare to host a Balhats.

Elders from the communities of Nazko, Saik’uz, Yekooche, and a Nak’azdli are training Lheidli Elders, Council, and Staff to host the event on Friday, Novemner 29.

The Lheidli T’enneh haven’t hosted a Balhats or Potlatch since 1946 and opened up their training to media Wednesday.

Over a dozen residential school survivors were in attendance to share their experiences and why resurrecting the Balhats is so important to the future of Indigenous communication and nations.