Reconciliation not celebration
The other night as I attended PRISMA on the Beach, watched everyone stand for “O Canada” and heard the words “150 years of celebrating Canada,” I felt disappointment and saddened. We are celebrating 150 years since what? [“Country built on racism and lies,” Wednesday, May 31]. Non-indigenous people need to stop the continuation and perpetuation of oppression. Come on, Canada, why not celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with 150 (at least) acts of true reconciliation? If we don’t change our way of thinking and doing, nothing will change.
When I heard the powerful words of Drew Blaney speaking to the history and endurance of the Tla’amin Nation people on the land where we were all sitting, and witnessed the singing of the Tla’amin anthem, I thought, “This is the anthem we all need to hear and stand up for.”
Tai Uhlmann
Lund, BC
Grants serve too few
I was pleased to read the publisher/editor’s comments on city grants [“Editorial: Handout city,” June 7].
I wondered at some that were chosen as they seem to serve too few. I understood Powell River Community Forest grants were for the benefit of the community at large.
There are many who can’t afford to enjoy a lot of sports, etc. Even to own a pet is a luxury; everything gets more expensive.
We do have free places such as Willingdon Beach. The play area could use improvement and more benches and picnic tables.
Powell Lake is another beautiful site but needs care, more sand, picnic tables, debris cleaned up and a trailer on site with a caretaker and dog to chase away geese and their mess.
On the seawalk there are doggy bags, but no place for people to go. I realize vandalism is a problem, but surely one sturdy toilet is not a frill but a necessity, as is a good, sturdy set of stairs with railings.
These would serve not only our own residents but visitors, too. These would be a pleasure to so many of all ages.
Rosemary Hawkins
Manitoba Avenue
