Take action for Truth and Reconciliation
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Sept 30 we honour Indigenous Peoples
Hi Paov,
Thursday is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is a federal statutory holiday declared to honour the Indigenous children who survived residential “schools” and remember those who did not.
To date, nearly 2,000 bodies have been discovered in unmarked graves. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada documented more than 6,000 children who died but the true figure could be 15-25,000 or more.
We wear orange shirts on this day to remember the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. She arrived on her first day of school dressed in a new orange shirt only to have it taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
We know reconciliation is more than a day of recognition and an orange shirt. It requires education, reflection, relationship-building and action to address the injustices to Indigenous people upon which Canada was built. As an environmental organization working on unceded and stolen lands of Indigenous Peoples, we recognize how important it is to ensure this day is more than just a day off. Each settler must take important first steps of learning the truths about the profound injustices inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples since colonization, including the forced removal of children to attend residential schools and the widespread abuse suffered in those schools. Only then can we begin the work of healing together.
We’ve gathered some resources to take action together this week as we work together for environmental justice that centres Indigenous rights and title. Truth and Reconciliation resources We hope you will join us in taking some time this Thursday to reflect and act for truth and reconciliation.
For a better path forward,
Beth Clarke
Executive Director
Wilderness Committee r0.
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Wilderness Committee
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Vancouver, BC V5T 1J4
Canada
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