City of Powell River Council has adopted a joint statement with Tla’amin Nation and qathet Regional District (qRD) regarding truth and reconciliation.
At the September 26 special council meeting, city councillor Trina Isakson said there will be a joint event on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. She said the event starts at 10 am on September 30 at city hall, commemorating and acknowledging residential school survivors and the children who never came home.
“In addition to the events of the day, there will be words shared by regional district chair Clay Brander, mayor Ron Woznow and hegus John Hackett,” said Isakson. “There will be a walk down to Willingdon Beach starting at about 11 am.”
Isakson said council had before it the joint statement from the three governments involved in commemorating this day. She said it speaks to attempts to work together on issues they really care about.
The motion to adopt the joint statement passed unanimously.
The joint statement reads: “The City of Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla'amin Nation are committed to working together to build a future based on truth, respect and understanding.
“On September 30, we reflect on the legacy of residential schools, honouring the survivors, their families and the children who never made it home. It is our shared responsibility to uphold their dignity and ensure their experiences are never forgotten.
“Wearing orange on this day holds deep meaning. The orange shirt day movement began with Phyllis Webstad, who was stripped of her bright new orange shirt on her first day at residential school, a symbol of the way the system tried to erase the identity, culture and individuality of First Nations children. By wearing orange, we recognize the enduring impact of residential schools and stand in solidarity with survivors.
“Together, we acknowledge the very real harms caused by residential schools. Truth and reconciliation commissioner Murray Sinclair said that education is what got us into this mess, and education will get us out. The truth is clear, and we must not deny it. We must face our shared history with courage, and compassion.
“We recognize that we share this land and responsibilities to this community. Truth and reconciliation is not just about the past; it is about how we go about creating a strong, united community for tomorrow. To do this, we must continue listening, learning, and standing together.
The truth and reconciliation commission called on all levels of government to play their part. As three governments working together, we will honour the survivors and those we have lost by accepting the truth and continuing the important work of reconciliation, today and for generations to come.”
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