Hundreds of folks wearing orange shirts gathered at Powell River City Hall on September 30 for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day ceremony.
City of Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla'amin Nation dignitaries and residents came together in a historic move that commits all three jurisdictions to work in partnership together toward reconciliation. Powell River mayor Ron Woznow, qRD chair Clay Brander, and Tla’amin hegus John Hackett shared words with the audience and the Tla'amin flag was raised at 10 am outside city hall.
At the September 26 special council meeting, city council adopted a joint statement on truth and reconciliation with Tla’amin and qRD that commits 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,” the joint statement read. “It is our shared responsibility to uphold their dignity and ensure their experiences are never forgotten.”
The Orange Shirt Day movement began with Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken on her first day at a residential school, a symbol of the way the system tried to erase the identity, culture and individuality of First Nations children.
"We recognize that we share this land and responsibilities to this community,” the release stated. “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.”
Join the Peak’s email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
