Two months ago, 19 eagles were discovered in the Prince Rupert landfill covered in a “deleterious substance” that had been dumped in the liquid waste site at the landfill, according to a statement released by the City of Prince Rupert.

All attempts to rescue the eagles failed, as a result 18 of them drowned and one that workers were able to free from the unknown substance, died following the recovery.

An investigation has since been launched by the City of Prince Rupert and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to determine exactly what substance was dumped and subsequently killed the eagles, however official say the substance was not hazardous. Still, whoever dumped the substance, could be facing charges and penalties.

The incident, which only came to light last week, has impacted the community and especially many First Nations communities, which consider the eagle sacred and a conduit to the spirit world, also symbolizing respect, honour, strength, courage and wisdom.

Today we’ll check in with Arnie Negie, he is a volunteer and spokesperson for the Prince Rupert Wildlife and Rehab Shelter which helps rescue and rehabilitate injured animals around the north Coast. And I spoke with Richard Pucci, Director of Operations and Government Relation for the City of Prince Rupert about why it took so long for the City to release information about the incident and what comes next in the hopes that this never happens again.