District of Squamish recognizes September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The following news release was issued in 2021 for the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The District of Squamish joins municipalities across the country in commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Created in response to Call to Action #80 which calls for a federal statutory day of public commemoration to reflect on the ongoing impacts of residential schools, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will honour those who survived residential schools, those whose lives were lost and those whose suffering and trauma is ongoing. September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, a day that acknowledges the residential school experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad and a day for Canadians to raise awareness of the history, harm and legacies of the Canadian residential school system by wearing the colour orange. The community is encouraged to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, by exploring the rich culture, stories and contributions of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

“Every day is an opportunity to learn about our history, and to build a new relationship with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and all Indigenous peoples that acknowledges the truth of the past, no matter how painful. It is through this acknowledgment that we can learn, make amends and create a more just, equitable and meaningful path forward together for those of us here today and the generations that will follow,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives us the space and time to do this work. It is our collective responsibility to engage in this learning and healing process. Please take some time in your own way or through one of our local events to learn, reflect, acknowledge and respond to the actions we are being called to as part of building a better future with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, and all Indigenous people.”

TRC Call to Action #57 specifically calls upon all municipal governments to educate staff on the history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. As part of its ongoing work to honour this urgent call to action, the District offers opportunities for all staff and Council to learn about our obligations to Indigenous peoples outlined in The Declaration and the TRC Calls to Action. Learning opportunities and workshops are offered to all District staff and Council with a focus on openness and respect.

The District’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee is an internal committee that works to support District staff by supplying resources, organizing training, engaging in conversations, and conducting research to make the District a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive place to work. The IDEA Committee also helps to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (The Declaration) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. More broadly, District staff and Council work with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw to find new ways to engage, plan and collaborate that results in meaningful action.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is open at 1.866.925.4419 with 24-hour support for former students and those affected, along with referrals to emotional and crisis services.

Within B.C., the KUU-US Crisis Line Society, providing First Nations and Indigenous-specific support, can be reached toll-free at any time at 1-800-588-8717 or online at kuu-uscrisisline.com.

Truth and Reconciliation Day Events:

Virtual Event
All Sea-to-Sky residents are invited to a four-part discussion of the book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph. Participants will meet four times beginning October 7 to discuss an assigned section of the book at each meeting. Everyone is welcome to join this virtual reading group. Please be prepared to join all four sessions. Physical or electronic copies of the book are available to borrow or purchase from the Squamish, Whistler, or Pemberton and District Public Libraries. To register, please visit https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsc-qspjwtHtBwuybpkuhxBb405AlXe8q2

 

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September 29, 2021