Reflections on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to us?
It's really about learning and listening. But we can't forget the action required to create real, lasting, impactful change. This is a deeply personal journey for most of us, and at the end of this post are links to some fantastic resources to further one's understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.
As a business, we will be open on September 30th offering safe space to honour Indigenous communities and recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential schools, remembering those who never returned home, survivors, and their families. We feel it is important to continue to provide a safe space in our community on days like this that can bring up trauma and deep feelings for many people.
Through our relationship with Mémiyelhtel, we have seen the important position that open, inclusive community spaces can occupy.
We are honoured to have members of the Pilalt Warrior Canoe Family share songs, dance, and stories about Truth and Reconciliation at our cafe from 9:30am - 10:30am on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This ceremony is open to all who want to come and respectfully observe a sacred tradition of this land's original peoples. It's a beautiful performance and we encourage all to join.
To further your learning, there's an incredibly informative 12-week course that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. You can enroll for free in the University of Alberta's Indigenous Canada course here.
You can read the entirety of the Truth and Reconciliation Commisission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action here.
You can also donate to the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society here.
The photo used in this post is of a mural painted by Carrielynn Victor outside of Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters in Chilliwack, BC.
About the mural, from the artist:
"The piece is Inspired by Pélawtxw (Pilalt*) Spindle Whorl Dancers, specifically my niece Onyx who danced in this beautiful goat dress for many special occasions. Garry Oak leaves and an acorn appear in the piece as a reminder of the rare ecosystems we have and hold here in S'olh Temexw. *pilalt/pelawtxw is the local indigenous tribe, consists of Skwah, Cheam & KwawkwaWApilt"