čɛčɛhaθɛč – seasons greetings.
I would like to start by wishing everyone seasons greetings and Happy New Year. As we reflect upon 2021 we can all agree that our world is in a transition, with the increasing frequency of environmental phenomenon: floods, fires and heatwaves, and the biological phenomenon of COVID-19.
The ground shifted this year with the discovery of the remains of children at Kamloops Indian Residential School. I am grateful for the overwhelming support and commitment to truth and reconciliation from everyone in our region as the province and country reckon with this truth.
This event impacted our community members deeply, many of whom attended these schools. The discovery was a sickening snapshot of what happened to our people, but now that the bodies of these children have been found, they can now heal, and no longer is their story buried.
Reconciliation is a long path, as there will be some wrongs that will never reach that consensus of reconciliation, like taking children away from their families. This is where I believe it will take everyone within all of our territories of each nation, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to take these steps towards reconciliation. This time our people have a voice and will be heard, realizing that we are all living together, and should work together as one.
Almost two years ago local businesses and the citizens of this region went above and beyond to reach out and provide support when our nation quarantined and closed our nation boundaries to eradicate COVID-19 efficiently from our community. Our nation is grateful for the amount of food and supplies and volunteers who helped where they could.
Racism reared its head in this moment, and our neighbours stood arm in arm to confront it. I truly believe that this was the beginning of a turning point for our region.
My message I would like to get out to everyone is to enjoy your time with loved ones, and take the time to treat everyone with gratitude and respect, it goes a long way. Most of all, be safe by following all health guidelines to minimize risk of catching flu, cold or COVID-19.
Again, seasons greetings and Happy New Year. Emote!
