City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow released the following statement on September 30:
Today we respectfully observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day to honour and stand with our Tla’amin friends and neighbours along with Indigenous individuals and communities impacted by Canada’s residential school system.
September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is based on the story of residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school in 1973. Phyllis’s story influenced the statement “Every Child Matters” and has helped all Canadians learn about the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system. This day reminds us that every child deserves to thrive and be treated with dignity, love and respect.
On May 31, 2016, Powell River City Council passed a motion to:
- endorse the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Committee Final Report and,
- adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
These motions support each of us taking opportunities to learn and understand the dark legacy of residential schools in Canada and understand why inequities persist today for so many Indigenous individuals and communities.
The 2003 Community Accord (resigned in 2018) further commits the city and Tla’amin Nation to work together respectfully to address challenges and take opportunities to reconcile relations between our two governments that will ultimately help build a better future for our children.
As your mayor, I am committed to working with Tla’amin Nation to build on past work and continue to find opportunities to foster a climate of respect, open dialogue and inclusivity. I encourage everyone to show their care and support for all those lost and impacted by residential school system, by wearing orange and participating in local events, workshops and discussions aimed at promoting truth and reconciliation.
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us recognize and understand the past, and embrace opportunities for healing, and commit to working towards a future where everyone in our community thrives in harmony and understanding.
Ron Woznow, mayor
City of Powell River
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