Wayne Ruby drums and says prayers for Nigel’s spirit, friends and family.
A memorial service was held in the 500 block of Langside Street on Wednesday, where Nigel Dylan Dixon was killed in a case of mistaken identity, exactly one year ago to the day.
On April 2, 2013, at approximately 4:30 pm, 20-year-old Nigel Dylan Dixon and his girlfriend were walking down Langside Street when they were approached by a group of people who thought the young couple were in a rival gang. The two started running and were both brutally gunned down. The young lady survived but Nigel died of his wounds.
The two were not affiliated with any gangs whatsoever. It was a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
An 18-year-old (who was 17 at the time of the shooting) was apprehended in Vancouver in early March of this year and is facing charges of second degree murder and attempted murder.
Nigel’s father, Elijah Dixon (2nd from left), and friends stand on the spot where fatal shooting happened one year ago.
About 40 people gathered in a vacant lot across from where the shooting took place to remember the young man whose life was cut short so senselessly. Many in the crowd who assembled at the memorial wore t-shirts with Nigel’s picture on it and held up candles.
Wayne Ruby spoke about Nigel and did some traditional aboriginal drumming and offered prayers to Nigel and the friends and family who were affected by this tragedy.
David Budd also offered words of comfort, talking about how Nigel’s spirit has visited family members in dreams to let them know he is okay. He then said a beautiful prayer.
David Budd says prayer as friends and family hold candles.
Crystal Leach, of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata, who was a mentor to Nigel, also spoke of the young man’s wonderful personality. She thanked Wayne Ruby and David Budd for their participation in the memorial service.
Larry Larsen speaks words of condolence.
Larry Larsen then stepped up to offer words of condolence.
Nigel’s father, Elijah Dixon, spoke next and thanked everyone for coming out and then invited everyone back to Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata for a feast.
It was a tasteful, poignant and solemn ceremony for a tragedy that should have never happened.
Gang violence affects not only people in gangs but innocent people as well, as in this case. It’s extremely sad for parents to see their children leaving them in such a way. Young Nigel had his whole life ahead of him before that sad day, one year ago.
Nigel Dylan Dixon (February 12, 1993 — April 2, 2014) is no longer with us, but he will never be forgotten.
Here is a video clip of the memorial service:
All photos and video by Doug Kretchmer
