Calls for reflection on the past, commitment for the future mark the arrival of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

 

Prince Rupert's Cenotaph at the Courthouse has been the
community space for commemoration of those who
survived the Residential School system and those who never came home

“Today, I invite everyone across the country to recognize and observe the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of residential schools in Canada, and to honour survivors, their families, and their communities. It is also a day to remember the many children who never returned home, and an opportunity for us all to learn more, and to affirm the need for reconciliation and commit ourselves to the work ahead." -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 

The First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has been marked by statements and calls for Canadians to use September 30th to learn more of the history of the residential school system and listen to the stories of the survivors and their families.

The Prime Minister marking the day first on Wednesday with a sunset ceremony on Parliament Hill to commemorate survivors and those who never returned to their families and communities.

For today, the Prime Minister's statement has a focus on the momentum of Orange Shirt Day and the story of Phyllis Webstad, the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the ongoing efforts in locating unmarked graves at former residential school sites.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes that at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country were forcibly separated from their families and their communities. Children were brought to residential schools where too many experienced abuse and were removed from their cultures, languages, and traditions. This federal day builds on the momentum of Orange Shirt Day, which was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad and chosen by Indigenous peoples to remember the legacy of residential schools and promote the path of reconciliation. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established through legislation passed earlier this spring, and is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action number 80. As part of commemorations for this historic day, I was honoured to participate in a sunset ceremony to commemorate survivors and those who never returned to their families and communities, as the Peace Tower and other buildings near Parliament Hill were illuminated in orange, and a newly commissioned Survivors’ Flag from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation was raised. 

This year, the tragic locating of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country has reminded us of not only the impacts of colonialism and the harsh realities of our collective past, but also the work that is paramount to advancing reconciliation in Canada. Today, we also recognize the harms, injustices, and intergenerational trauma that Indigenous peoples have faced – and continue to face – because of the residential school system, systemic racism, and the discrimination that persists in our society. We must all learn about the history and legacy of residential schools. It’s only by facing these hard truths, and righting these wrongs, that we can move forward together toward a more positive, fair, and better future. 

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about the history of residential schools in Canada, listen to the stories of survivors and their families, and reflect on how each of us can play a part in the journey of reconciliation. I also encourage everyone to wear an orange shirt today to help spread awareness, because every child matters.”

The Full statement from the Government of Canada can be explored here.

A message from Queen Elizabeth II is also relayed to Canadians through Governor General Mary Simon

Premier John Horgan and Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation issued a joint statement yesterday, the pair also first paying tribute to Orange Shirt Day founder  Phyllis Webstad

“Orange Shirt Day would not exist without the strength and courage of the campaign’s founder, Phyllis Webstad. Her story of residential school survival, as well as those shared by Vancouver Island advocate Eddy Charlie and so many others, sparked a national conversation on the true history of this country."

They followed the tribute to the tireless efforts of Ms. Webstad with comments on the occasion of the First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“This year, Sept. 30 is also a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The new federal statutory day responds to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for a national day to honour those affected by residential schools. 

We will consult with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities over the coming months on the best and most respectful ways to commemorate Sept. 30 here in B.C. We will also bring the business community, employers and labour groups into the conversation, so that they can participate in the planning in meaningful ways. While we continue this engagement with the aim of formally recognizing this important day in B.C. in the future, this year, public service workplaces will be observing the statutory day of remembrance and reflection. 

Public commemoration of our shared history is just one of many steps we can take in our work to advance reconciliation. We must also face the truth of the harms perpetrated by colonial policies and the residential school system. As government, we will work to deconstruct the colonial systems that are still in place and continue to harm Indigenous peoples. We owe this to the future generations. “We encourage every British Columbian to wear an orange shirt to proclaim that every child matters, and that we are all committed to working together with Indigenous peoples to create a better future for all of our children, for the province and for the entire country.”

You can review the full text of the Provincial statement here.

More themes towards the First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are being shared by the Provincial government through their Social Media streams.

As we noted earlier this week, North Coast Regional District also commemorated the occasion of this First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The North Coast Regional District (NCRD) applauds the federal and provincial governments for establishing this statutory holiday to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors and their families and communities to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. 

 The NCRD continues to build strong and meaningful relationships with its First Nations partners and is fully committed to truth and reconciliation. With this in mind, the Board has resolved to formally acknowledge September 30th as a day for truth and reconciliation throughout the region.

The full statement from Regional District can be reviewed here.

In Prince Rupert, Mayor Lee Brain has shared a Facebook message from Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Today marks the beginning of true acknowledgment of atrocities committed across the country & over the course of history. And now with 6509 lost children being found thus far & counting, and many more to still yet to be found & returned home, this bears an opportunity to also pay our respects & grieve collectively. 

 We as a society need to continue to find a better way forward, beyond the phases of accountability & justice from all levels of government. And I firmly believe that we do so in loving relationship with one another, our communities, our fellow neighbors, and especially, ourselves. -- Prince Rupert Councillor Reid Skelton Morven

As we come across more statements and notes of observation, we'll update this archive with further links of reflection on the day

Statement from North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice

Northern Health -- Phyllis' Story

Statement from Coast Mountain College 

Statement from Prince Rupert Port Authority

School District 52 -- Reconciliation Walks

BCTF Statment

Statement from Union of BC Indian Chiefs

Statement from Assembly of First Nations

Some Resources for the Day

National Film Board

CBC Indigenous

Aboriginal People's Television Network

Coverage of events across the province and nation can be reviewed from our Ottawa Observations feature from our political blog D'Arcy McGee

Through the week, we've highlighted some of the work that has been done locally towards observing this day, you can explore those themes from our item of Monday. 

Included in our piece from this week are a number of links towards further study on the themes we are observing today, those contributions make for a good starting point to explore a harmful past and begin the discussion for our shared future.

You can review all of the coverage of events across the Northwest from our archive page here.

UBCM convention to explore reconciliation themes, hosting Murray Sinclair as one of the key presentations for Virtual September municipal gathering

The umbrella organization that represents all of the province's municipal governments is putting the finishing touches on their September program for the 2021 Virtual UBCM convention from September 13 to 17.

And as they do, organizers have been able to secure a "Big Get" for the five days of connection and convention, announcing that Murray Sinclair will be one of the prominent speakers during convention week.

In an update for delegates from  last week, UBCM officials announced that the convention would have a significant focus on themes of Truth and Reconciliation.

The UBCM plenary session set for Tuesday September 14th will address the urgent question of how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities might walk further along the path towards truth and reconciliation. 

The panel will feature the Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and will provide guidance for local governments seeking direction on how to meaningfully and effectively act on the TRC Calls to Action.

The Honourable Murray Sinclair the Chair of the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of 2015
will be special guest speaker to the UBC convention this year
(photo from UBCM)

As the head of the Truth and Reconciliation commission which delivered its report in 2015, Mr. Sinclair participated in hundreds of hearings across Canada, culminating in with the TRC’s widely influential report. 

In 2017 he and the other TRC Commissioners were awarded the Meritorious Service Cross (Civilian) (MSC) for service to Canada for their work on the TRC.

You can review the Calls for Action from the Truth and Reconciliation hearings here.

Following the recent march through city streets and the Waterfront ceremony of July 1st in commemoration of the Children and Survivors of Residential Schools, Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain issued a statement through his Facebook page .

His commentary one which outlined his thoughts on the issues surrounding Canada Day in 2021 and the need to work further towards Reconciliation.

To this point however, the City of Prince Rupert has not seemingly developed any official policy, or at least announced it to the public, as to how the municipal government may wish to approach that reconciliation. 

The desire to build partnerships and relationships with Indigenous communities on the North Coast has been part of the Vision planning for the community; first as part of the Hays 2.0 program and the with the Prince Rupert 2030 document.

But when it comes to active discussion in City Hall Chambers, the topic of reconciliation, which did gain some attention in November of 2017  is one which for the most part has not made for much conversation as part of their work during the public council sessions.

The City's council members may find their voices following this years UBCM Convention, as the delegates exchange ideas and hear the wisdom that Mr. Sinclair will be sharing with them as to what a path forward for municipal government may look like.

As it was last year, the 2021 UBCM convention will not be one  requiring travel or participation with in person attendance; but rather will once again be a virtual event, with delegates remaining in their home communities, the program for the 2021 event can be reviewed here.

More notes on municipal government in Prince Rupert can be reviewed here.

SD52 providing for the early focus for Prince Rupert as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation nears

The Cenotaph at the Prince Rupert Court House has served as
the community focal point for the commemoration of the recent
discovery of the bodies and in solidarity of those who
attended Residential schools across Canada 

This Thursday marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the day declared a Statutory Holiday by the Federal Government one year ago, set to take effect this year, with the focus one to be for Canadians to revisit the nations history and learn from it to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples on the path forward.

As part of their information relay in the lead up to Thursday, the Federal government has provided links to a range of resources  for Canadians to review as part of the observation of the day, 

A good portion of the focus on the path forward has come from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which delivered its final report to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in December of 2015, the Calls to Action forming a road map of sorts as to how the process should move forward, though many of the recommendations have still to be addressed by all levels of Government across the nation.

You can review the document here.

Provincially, the BC Government noted of the importance of this month and what Thursday will bring through it's own information release in early August, noting of how the statutory holiday will be shared by many provincial employees, with the government issuing it's own guidance towards the observation of the day.

“Our government is calling on all of us who deliver services to the public to use this opportunity to consider what each of us can do as individuals to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and to recommit to understanding the truth of our shared history, to accept and learn from it and in doing so, help to create a better, more inclusive British Columbia.”

So far the City of Prince Rupert has not outlined any special information or plans for Thursday, with the School District for the most part taking the lead locally to this point when it comes to information sharing on their ongoing work and that of the community towards Reconciliation.

As we outlined last week, the School District recently hosted a Blessing of the the Banners ceremony, with the new banners to be on display at all of the District's Schools. The School District shared some of the moments of that ceremony through their Social media feed last week.

With Thursday now a day for National reflection, The Prince Rupert School District, Coast Community College and other organizations will all be observing Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, Orange Shirt Day and its theme of Every Child Matters is now a fixture across the province and nation as a way of recognizing the Residential School System of the past and a way to commemorate those who died at those facilities and those who survived that chapter of Canadian History.

The Day was an initiative of Ms. Phyllis Webstad,  a survivor of the former St. Joseph's Mission residential school near Williams Lake; it was through her commitment that September 30th first became the day of  reflection on the Residential School period and how has become a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. 

Last week the Provincial Government noted of a special event at BC Place as the British Columbia Lions hosted an event to observe Orange Shirt Day and celebrate the the dedication of Ms. Webstad to getting her message to British Columbians.

The School District has a strong selection of resource material to explore towards the goals of reconciliation which you can find from the Way Sigatgyet page of the SD52 website.

The Prince Rupert and District Teachers Union also hosts a wide range of information towards the themes of Truth and Reconciliation, which you can explore here.

Another event of note this week, is one hosted by the Prince Rupert Friendship House, which is asking the community to join them in a Community Walk at the Jim Ciccone, Civic Centre Track from 1 to 5PM on Thursday. 

They have goal of 215 Laps in honour of the Indigenous children who were sent away to  Residential schools.

As more items of note come up in the lead up to Thursday, we will add them to our page below, to provide a reference of the plans of the Community for the day.

September 30 -- Calls for reflection on the past, commitment for the future mark the arrival of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29 -- City of Terrace outlines its plans for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and well beyond 

September 28 -- Prince Rupert Port Authority marks National Truth and Reconciliation Day with lighted walkway  
September 28 -- North Coast Regional District statement and resources page for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Items of Note on National and Provincial themes to the day can be reviewed from our Ottawa Observations feature of our political blog D'Arcy McGee.

Historic week for Indigenous reconciliation efforts for British Columbia, Canada

This has been somewhat of a benchmark week for the First Nations, Inuit and Metis across Canada, with two significant events taking place that move forward on the goals towards reconciliation.

Earlier this week, the British Columbia Government outlined its action plan towards furthering the roadmap on consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples in the province.

The plan as outlined by Premier John Horgan on Wednesday, is one which will drive change through 89 specific actions in every ministry of the government, framed as part of the provincial implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“This plan is a first for any government in the world. It will drive transformative change in the relationship with Indigenous Peoples and help us build a brighter future for everyone. By working together in partnership, we are creating more opportunities, better jobs and stronger environment protections. This is a roadmap that builds on the progress we have made – a new way forward and another important step towards meaningful reconciliation.”

Among some of the commitments that are included in the Declaration Act Action Plan:

Recognize Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights, interests and legal orders

Support Indigenous students to lead graduation rates and pursue to their own excellence

Enable all Indigenous Peoples to live free from racism and discrimination

Share decision-making and pursue new fiscal relationships

Improve the health and well-being of Indigenous families

End the epidemic of Indigenous children in government care.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs was one of a number of Indigenous representatives to speak to the Action plan of this week. 

 "Two years ago, the seeds of change were sown – a future rife with the promises of true transformation and reconciliation became possible with the historic passage of the Declaration Act. Make no mistake, there have been and there will continue to be numerous obstacles that challenge the work being done to revolutionize and rebuild a relationship that has long been mired in colonial violence and discrimination. 

Today is not only a day of celebration but a day of reflection and accountability. We must reflect on the processes, frameworks and institutions that continue to deny the Title and Rights of First Nations, enact tremendous harm upon our communities and perpetuate a colonial cycle of marginalization and violence. 

We must hold our governments and those in positions of power accountable for their actions and their commitments to the Declaration Act. With hope in our hearts we celebrate, reflect and continue the fight for change.”

A full overview, along with further commentary on the Action Plan can be reviewed here. 

The full presentation of the Action Plan can be viewed below:

This morning also provided for another pivotal moment towards accountability and responsibility for the past and an opportunity to move forward into the future.

That came out of the Vatican, where Pope Francis apologized to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada for the role of Catholics in the Operation of the residential school system in Canada.

“For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God's forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon.  

It is chilling to think of determined efforts to instill a sense of inferiority, to rob people of their cultural identity, to sever their roots, and to consider all the personal and social effects that this continues to entail: unresolved traumas that have become intergenerational traumas,” 

Further to his comments, the Pope spoke to what he had heard this week during his discussions with Indigenous leaders, engagements which left him with indignation and shame.

“Without real indignation, without historical memory and without a commitment to learning from past mistakes, problems remain unresolved and keep coming back. We can see this these days in the case of war. The memory of the past must never be sacrificed at the altar of alleged progress,”

“For the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values.”

The Vatican's review of the week can be examined here, the Pope's address and the presentations from the delegation in Rome of today can be reviewed below:

The session with the Pope, one which Assembly of First Nations has described as a historic step, the statement and apology from Pope Francis came following a week of meetings with Indigenous, Inuit and Metis representatives who had come to Rome to address the Vatican on the Residential Schools and to seek acknowledgement of the institutions of the Church in the system.

“I am honoured to have led the delegation to the Vatican and to stand with survivors, youth and knowledge keepers and to be joined by our Métis and Inuit brothers and sisters. The acknowledgment of genocide and the apology offered today by Pope Francis is a significant gesture and an historic step to fulfilling the requests of the former residential school students which is supported by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #58. The next step is an apology to all our original nation of families in our home, Turtle Island.” -- FN NWT Regional Chief Gerald Antoine.

In addition to the historic words of the Pontiff this morning, came a promise to come to Canada later this year to visit Indigenous communities and to meet with the survivors of those schools and their families.

Towards that Chief Antoine observed of the work ahead in preparation for the Pope's visit and what may come from that encounter in the future.

“We leave Rome optimistic to receive an apology offered to all our nation of families when the Pope visits Turtle Island later this year. I humbly stand in unity with the full AFN, Métis and Inuit delegation respecting all survivors of residential institutions and their families and encourage us to look forward, to host and welcome Pope Francis’s visit to our homeland. There is still much work to be done for the planning and decision making for this potential visit.”

Further details on the observations from the Indigenous delegation can be reviewed here.

More on the visit of the Indigenous representatives can be explored here.

The Prime Minster issued a statement shortly after the Pope's response to Indigenous leaders, noting of the history of the residential school system in Canada and how the Pope's words today will respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to Action.

“An apology by the Pope to residential school Survivors and their families delivered in Canada will specifically respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #58.

 I look forward to His Holiness Pope Francis apologizing in Canada at the request of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The Government of Canada is fully committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action."

More notes on the themes from Victoria and Rome this week can be explored further through our political blog D'Arcy McGee.

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints

Raising of Survivor's Flag in Victoria, opens week long lead in to Truth and Reconciliation Day Saturday

The province of British Columbia hosted a flag raising ceremony on Monday at the Legislature, with government officials, First Nations leaders, Survivors of Residential schools and the public all in attendance to start off a week of observance that will lead into Truth and Reconciliation Day on Saturday.

The event one noted by North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice through her social media stream on Monday.

The significance of the Survivors Flag is something which has been outlined by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation here, noting of the many elements of remembrance that have gone into the flag.

The flag is an expression of remembrance meant to honour residential school survivors. We remember survivors, the children who never returned home and the communities affected. Recognizing the ongoing trauma Indigenous people face as a result of residential schools is an important part of reconciliation.

As the week moves forward, much to the Truth and Reconciliation program for the next few days will be led by the local schools at SD52, Annunciation and Coast Mountain College, that as the community prepares for the Saturday observation.  

There are other activities planned in Prince Rupert, with the City of Prince Rupert providing a helpful guide towards some of them yesterday, that through a social media post.

Other than the information relay underway, whether the City of Prince Rupert has plans for an official recognition program of its own towards Truth and Reconciliation Day has yet to be outlined by civic officials. 

Some background on a few of the events that are highlighted above, can be reviewed below:

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has an extensive library of information towards the Residential School topic and updates on the initiatives underway.  

The Calls of Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be reviewed here.

We can learn more locally from a number of resources, including School District 52's Indigenous Education Department, Museum of Northern BC and the Prince Rupert Library.

Truth and Reconciliation Day is also being observed in Lax Kw'alaams with their plans for the community noted below:

As more updates on events for the week come forward, we will add to our listings above. 

More Community Note themes can be explored from our archive page.

Reconciliation efforts could see updated version of existing City Hall totems

Members of the Coastal Response Network delivered a report on themes
of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Prince Rupert Council on Monday

The current placement of two Totem Poles beside Prince Rupert City Hall has made for a potential flash point when it comes to themes of Reconciliation on the North Coast, with a local group from the North Coast Multicultural and Immigrant Society making the totems one of the focal points of a presentation to  Council on Monday night.

Louisa Sanchez, Peggy Davenport and Colleen Hermanson spoke on behalf of the North Coast Community Response Network bringing attention to their work and the findings related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that have the most relevance for the local community.

The group provided a short overview of the harm that had been created by the Residential School experience, among some of those impacts the group noted the areas of child welfare, education and health care and aboriginal justice as part of their presentation.

As part of their review the group touched on the growth of the Port of Prince Rupert and some of the social issues that have been created in the community as the expansion process has moved forward.

The two totems at City Hall came up as part of their three recommendations for Council's consideration, with the long established poles flagged as not representative of the local community owing to the prominence of references to the Haida, while the local Tsimshian First Nation is absent from them.

"Nowhere are we informed that the City of Prince Rupert sits on traditional Tsimpshian territory. This is not part of the Haida Nation. This level of ignorance shows a lack of respect as well as inaccuracy. In Prince Rupert, the Tsimshian culture is alive and well. This is the reality that should be displayed in front of our city hall. An example of a current Tsimshian pole is the one recently carved by Bill Helin, in honour of his father Art and stands alongside the Crest Hotel ... The Prince Rupert community of artists is strong and capable. We encourage them to help us out here." -- From a report on Truth and Reconciliation findings delivered to Prince Rupert City Council on Monday evening.

The two totem poles at
Prince Rupert City Hall
noted by a local group responding
to Truth and Reconciliation Findings

The full list of the three recommendations from the group included themes related to the following:

Services such as options for sexual and reproductive health, noting some of the social concerns related to port development and the impact on residents in Prince Rupert.

Ensuring that residents of Acropolis Manor are included in community events and bringing the community to the manor are important.

The third issue raised, was to draw attention to the two totem poles currently in place at City Hall facing Third Avenue West.  The group called for the current poles which are Haida in nature, be corrected from their current status and updated to better reflect the First Nations of the local Tsimshian community.

The delegation also offered up some background on the Truth and Reconciliation process and noted that Canada is one of 41 nations in the world that have embarked on that process, noting how their findings reflect some of the impact found in the community from past procedures and policies.

One initiative that is currently in motion around town is the quest to make the June 21st National Aboriginal Day, a national statutory holiday, with a petition currently circulating to build support for the creation of the next stat holiday.

Kaarlene Lindsay at Northwest Community College is collecting letters of support locally and will be forwarding them to become part of the official record, while you can also sign an online petition on the website of MP Georgina Jolibois.

You can review the delegations full presentation to Council as part of the City's Video archive starting at the four minute mark of the evening.




The Report compiled by the Community Response Network and presented to Council is available as part of the Agenda for the Committee of the Whole for October 30th it starts on Page two of that agenda package.

During the course of the presentation on Monday, Council members thanked the group for their report and pointed to their appearance at the session as a valuable element of the City Council Committee of the Whole process.

More notes related to Monday's Council session can be found on our Council Timeline Feature.

A wider overview of discussion topics at Prince Rupert City Council can be found on our Discussion page here.

MLA Jennifer Rice pays tribute to Phyllis Webstad for fall session speaking debut

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice spoke on Orange Shirt Day
and Reconciliation on Monday at the Legislature
(from the BC Leg Video archive)

With the fall session resuming Monday in Victoria, British Columbia's MLA's have returned to the Legislature Chamber, the opening session for the Fall offering an opportunity for comments on a variety of themes.

As the resumption of Legislature proceedings arrived after the recent National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, for North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice the Legislature return provided her the forum for some reflection on themes of Truth and Reconciliation and in her opening address for the fall, some thoughts on Phyillis Webstad who remains the advocate for residential School victims and survivors through the Orange Shirt Day initiative.

Ms. Rice's commentary was as follows on Monday:

When she had just turned six years old, Phyllis Webstad's granny gave her a shiny, new, orange shirt for her first day of school at St. Joseph's residential school near Williams Lake. When Phyllis arrived at school, she was stripped and her clothing taken away, including her shiny, new, orange shirt. She never saw it again. No longer excited to be going to school, she wanted to go home to granny, but she had to stay there for 300 sleeps. 

No matter how much the little kids cried, it didn't matter. No one cared. This is how Orange Shirt Day was born. Phyllis is the third generation in her family to attend residential school. Both her grandmother and her mother attended, ten years each. 

Many residential school survivors and supporters advocated to the federal government for this national day of commemoration, and it was a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The province proclaimed September 30, 2021 as Orange Shirt Day, as it has since 2017. Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was also held on September 30. 

Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots event to raise awareness of the history and legacy of the residential school system. It's a day to honour the children who were impacted and to remind all Canadians that every child matters. Recent findings of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools in B.C. and across Canada has brought into sharp focus this year the atrocities of the residential school system and the continued intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples. 

I had the honour to witness some of the testimony at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings. I recall a story of a survivor who had been dropped off by her mother to a residential school. The little girl did not want to go, but her mother insisted she had to. 

She was brought inside the school, where she was lined up with other children who were getting their hair cut off. Not wanting to be away from her mother and not wanting to get her hair chopped off, she decided to get out of that lineup and run away, back outside to her mother. 

The nuns tried to catch her, but she was able to dodge them, break free and get outside. There she saw her mother sitting in the car with her head tilted back on the seat, laughing. She was devastated to see her mother laughing at bringing her to such a horrific place. 

This was a lasting memory for this residential school survivor — to see her mother laughing. Their relationship was strained ever since that moment. She never forgave her mother, and they spent their entire adult lives in tension and turmoil. The effects impacted her own ability to parent. 

It wasn't until her mother was on her deathbed that they made an attempt to reconcile the years of their tumultuous relationship. The daughter confronted her mother about how hurt she felt as a little girl, seeing her mother laughing at the prospect of dropping her off at residential school. 

Unfortunately, it wasn't until her mother was near the end of life that she learned that her mother wasn't sitting in the car with her head tilted back laughing, but in fact, she was sitting there with her head tilted back in tears. She was crying, not laughing. 

This sad story is an example of the intergenerational trauma residential schools have caused. The harms are still being felt today. 

Orange Shirt Day is a day to acknowledge the history and dark legacy of the residential school system and a day to honour the children and families affected. 

On this day, we encourage every British Columbian to wear an orange shirt to show that every child does matter and to show our commitment to working together with Indigenous people to create a better future for all of our children.

You can review he presentation to the Chamber from the Legislature Video archive here, starting at the 10:13 minute mark.

Ms Rice shared the video of her presentation on Tuesday afternoon,

The North Coast MLA also made note of her focus towards her fall return to the Legislature through Social Media prior to Monday's return to business

Ms. Rice speaking to themes of Colonial Governments and intergenerational trauma towards First Nations people.

More items of note on the work of the Legislature can be explored from our archive page here.

Province outlines plans for introduction of Truth and Reconciliation Day in September

The provincial government has outlined how it will approach the introduction of a new Federal Holiday in September, with September 30th now to be observed nation wide as Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Federal legislation towards the national day of reflection was introduced in September of 2020, the last day of September to serve as a statutory holiday to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour those who were lost and the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve.

Last week, Murray Rankin, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, along with Selina Robinson, the Provincial Minister of Finance charted the path ahead for British Columbians as part of the federal day.

“Over the last two months Canadians have been coming to terms with what survivors of residential schools have always known. Indigenous peoples are bringing to light the true history of this country and the atrocities of the residential school system. 

We share the grief, the pain and the outrage and understand that we have a painful but necessary road ahead of us to walk together, to right wrongs and to support Indigenous communities who are carrying this ongoing burden with strength, resilience and leadership. The need has never been greater to listen and to learn about B.C.’s colonial history and to seek truth, justice and reconciliation. As government, we have an important role in this process, and we know that non-Indigenous British Columbians throughout the province want to play an active part in this critical work.

In their statement, the two provincial ministers noted how September 30th falls on the day that in recent  years has been known as Orange Shirt Day, so called because of the residential school experiences of the campaign’s founder, Phyllis Webstad. 

"It is a day when we honour the children who suffered in the residential school system, and many residential school survivors and supporters have advocated for this to become a national day of commemoration, to respond to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action." 

As part of the provinces ongoing work on reconciliation in British Columbia, the provincial government will work with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities on the best and most respectful ways to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day here in B.C., followed by engagement with business and labour stakeholders for their perspectives on how the national day is commemorated in future years. 

As for the national holiday of the 30th, the province noted the following as to how it will implemented in British Columbia.

“The national holiday will be observed this Sept. 30 by federal employees and workers in federally regulated workplaces. We have advised provincial public-sector employers to honour this day and in recognition of the obligations in the vast majority of collective agreements. Many public services will remain open but may be operating at reduced levels. However, most schools, post-secondary institutions, some health sector workplaces, and Crown corporations will be closed."

You can review the full Provincial statement here.

More notes on themes from the Legislature can be explored here.

SD52 Board offers support for Truth and Reconciliation Committee recommendation on Education

The newly installed Board of Education has offered up one of its first recommendations for the new term, endorsing a request from the Aboriginal Education Council and supporting a call for the implementation of one of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Recommendation up for discussion was Number 63, which calls on the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to maintain an annual commitment to Aboriginal education issues.

Included on the list were:

Developing and implementing Kindergarten to Grade Twelve curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples in Canadian history, and the history and legacy of residential schools. 

Sharing information and best practices on teaching curriculum related to residential schools and Aboriginal history.

Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. 

Identifying teacher-training needs relating to the above

Towards those goals and in response to the request from the Aboriginal Education Council, the SD52 Board passed a motion that endorses the creation of an implementation plan for Recommendation 63.

For the Prince Rupert School District that will see Chair James Horne forward a letter to the First Nations Education Steering committee in support of a requirement for a mandatory First Nations course for graduation.

More background related to that motion and some of the other items of note from the November 7th meeting for the Board of Education can be found here.

Further background on some of the other recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's work can be found here, Calls for action pertaining to Education can be found starting on page seven.

A wider overview of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process can be examined here. 

Our background notes on education in the Northwest can be found here.


To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Themes on Reconciliation, UNDRIP, First Nations and TransMountain make for lively debate in Legislature

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross had a key role in the debate on Aboriginal issues
over the course of two days of discussion in the Legislature this week

The final two days of the week in the Legislature found some significant focus put on a range of issues tied into Reconciliation, the Trans Mountain pipeline controversy and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with Skeena MLA Ellis Ross involved in all three elements of the discussion through the week.

As we noted earlier this week, the ongoing controversy over the Trans Mountain pipeline plans has provided for much of the narrative for the discussion this session in Victoria, and on Wednesday Mr. Ross explored some issues related to how the current situation may impact on the already negotiated benefits agreements for First Nations along the proposed path of the pipeline.

Those comments proved to be the preamble to some more expansive discussions in the area of Reconciliation and the UNDRIP process which continues to move through the Legislature process and has been a frequent topic of review for the Skeena MLA and many others in the House.

Many of Mr. Ross's observations have included a look back at issues that he was involved with as the Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, his commentary providing an insight into how government policy can impact on First Nations communities across the province.

The bulk of the back and forth between Scott Fraser, the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and the Liberal Opposition MLA through this week explored some of the details related to the twin areas of UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation.

The discussion offers up how the two larger parties in the Legislature differ on how the themes of engagement should be approached when it comes to the work of the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

As the discussion evolved from Wednesday to Thursday afternoon, a review of some of the past issues from the days of the Liberal government, as well comments related to case law, outside influences, infringement of rights and recognition as to who speaks for First Nations in communities across the province all became part of the conversation.

I really used rights and title case law to basically provide a better future for my people. I thought I understood case law, especially the last significant court case that dealt with Aboriginal rights and title, which is the Haida court case on a duty to consult and accommodate when it comes to government decisions. But it's outside interests and all these buzzwords that are adding confusion, daily, to the Aboriginal leaders who are trying to deal with this on-the-ground issue.

Through his contribution, Mr. Ross outlined some of the very real issues facing Aboriginal residents in communities across the province and how there is already a high level of uncertainty when it comes to the various processes that are in place and that by adding additional items such as UNDRIP the process becomes even more complicated.

Well, let me take it right back down to ground level. The reason why I bring this back to the fundamentals of what we're talking about — whether it be Kinder Morgan, forestry, fish farms, LNG — is because I'm tired of burying people because of substance abuse or alcohol abuse or suicide. I was tired of going to my family's funerals because of suicide. I was tired of trying to find ways to ship people home from Vancouver because they got thrown out of a second-story window down on Hastings. 

 I'm not trying to be cute. I'm not trying to be politically savvy. I'm trying to find a solution. I'm trying to find certainty. That's all I've been trying to do for the last 14 years, and I thought I had a good handle on it, in terms of trying to read and understand the rights and title case law that came out of the Supreme Courts of Canada and B.C. 

 No matter what the other side of the House thinks, the previous government did not decide on any protocol on their own in terms of how to address this. In my dealings — environmental assessments, permitting, authorizations — I actually hammered out the process. I actually hammered out the reconciliation protocol that was signed between my band and the previous government, and it worked.

The current of the discussion from the Skeena MLA offers an indication as to Mr. Ross's past experience is providing the Liberal opposition with some strong moments in the Legislature,  exemplified through his closing summation of the discussion from Thursday afternoon.

His comments coming as a response to an overview by the Minister, who provided this thumbnail sketch as to how the NDP government is approaching the twin themes of UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation.

We, as government, certainly respect case law, as the member has been referring to. But we are trying to move beyond conflict and having the courts make decisions. We are trying to move the dial on a relationship so that government and First Nations can work in partnership, using free, prior and informed relationships that will lead to good decisions on the land base. There won't always be agreement. We understand that. 

That's just the way that things are in any situation with government. There will be disagreements, and we have to learn to respect that, and we do respect that. But we all have to recognize that that is the nature of decision-making. It's often difficult.  

I firmly believe, as minister, that the concepts that we have — the articles within the UNDRIP, the UN declaration — will give us true guidance, and more and more and more as First Nations are treated with respect and recognition based on case law, based on the UN declaration and based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Those relationships between business, government and the nation will lead to good, sound decisions. 

There will not always be agreement, but again, government has to make decisions, and we will. But this is a way to get us out of a pattern of conflict and into a way of true partnerships in decisions, where the benefits are felt throughout the province, not in isolated ways but in real ways — benefits to nations in the territories where decisions are being made. That's the goal that we are seeking as government. We're using the tools of UNDRIP and the TRC and the Tsilhqot'in decision to inform that.

For his part, the Skeena MLA's final comments from Thursday observed as to the complicated nature of discussions and the need to build on the success of the past, to move towards the future.

Yes, I was expecting that kind of an answer. It's fairly optimistic, given how UNDRIP has been presented as a blueprint for success, a holistic document, and what's more troubling, as a human rights document, because the conflict that you're talking about that you wish to avoid is already thereSome First Nations have already stated on the record that in terms of their protests, it's a fight to the death. They don't take the same view that UNDRIP is going to be us all sitting around and we're going to hammer it out until we come to an agreement before government makes a decision. 

If that's the case, then the Crown's decision date, when you make that decision…. That's 20 years down the line — maybe the next generation. If these people truly believe that they will fight to the death on some of these projects, you're not going to get that consent. I'm not even talking about chief councillors or elected leaders or their chiefs. We're talking about Aboriginals on these protest lines. So it's this uncertainty and these unrealistic expectations that I'm trying to determine, in the context of the decision-making from the Crown. I do wish to thank the minister for his answers. 

The Aboriginal issue in Canada and B.C. is extremely complicated. There have been many, many, many great people, whether they be Aboriginal leaders or people in this House, that have given it their best shot. There've been many great staff people I worked with over the last 14 years that were doing their best to get what was right, not only for the Aboriginals but for British Columbian society as a whole. To a certain degree, especially for my people, there was tremendous success. 

The success of my people and the optimism that my band members have is because of the collaboration that I had with the previous government and the staff from the previous government. And I truly hope that this government can build on that. I do not want to see the day where we go back into court for another 20 or 30 years based on vague descriptions of UNDRIP as it relates to Crown decision-making.

Below you can find  links to the transcripts from the debates through the week, they offer some important background to the discussion from all corners of the Legislature.

The archive of conversation provides for a helpful guide to how the NDP, Liberals and Greens view the course ahead and where some of the more controversial areas of that discussion may gain further review.

Thursday Afternoon  14:50
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 
Transcript
(See Video here)  (Mr. Ross's main contribution starts at 16:15)

Wednesday Afternoon 16:55 
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 
Transcript
(See Video here)  (Mr. Ross's main contribution starts at 16:58 PM)


For more items of interest related to the work of the Skeena MLA in the Legislature see our archive page here.

Our look at the work of North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice can be examined here.

For a wider look at developments from Victoria and some of the key political issues in the province see our D'Arcy McGee portal here.