This September 30 will mark the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) in Canada.
It is a day in which we honour the survivors of residential schools, remember those lives who were lost as well as those lives who were forever impact by the horrific legacy of the Indian Residential School System, and remember the role that all of us have as a country, as organizations, and as individuals in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Since 2023, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also recognized as a statutory holiday in BC.
This year, for those of us in British Columbia, NDTR falls during the provincial election period, and the continued work towards reconciliation and advancing Indigenous rights will very much be affected by the outcome of the BC provincial election.
Earlier this month, the Union of British Columbian Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) expressed their deep concern over the BC Conservative leader John Rustad’s appearance on a right-wing podcast where he suggested that Indigenous governments can’t be trusted.
Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President and Chief of Tsartlip First Nation, said this of the BC Conservative leader: “We are sick and tired of Mr. Rustad throwing Indigenous people under the bus to gain political advantage. To participate in a conversation on whether Indigenous governments have any relation to Indigenous title land is insulting, offensive and perpetuates racist stereotypes.”
In late August, shortly after it was announced the BC United Party would fold their campaign and reunite with the BC Conservatives, the UBCIC explicitly stated the BC Conservatives pose a critical threat to human rights and stands to accelerate the climate emergency.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated: “We unequivocally object to the environmentally destructive and anti-human rights of John Rustad. This political red rover debacle is not only amazingly regressive but sets a dangerous precedent. The BCCP platform plans threaten to undermine the progress we’ve made and would set us back decades that we cannot afford in our fight for human rights and environmental justice. British Columbians must unite in opposition to this dangerous agenda and advocate for policies that support equity, sustainability, and respect for all.”
This year, especially for our members in BC, as you reflect on the significance and National Truth and Reconciliation Day, earn about the history of Orange Shirt Day which preceded the more formal NDTR, and find ways that you can support reconciliation actions through things such as education, supporting Indigenous initiatives like the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, or wearing orange, keep in mind that you can also advance reconciliation efforts simply by participating in your local democratic process and voting in the upcoming BC provincial election.
In solidarity,
Annette Toth, President
Brenda Chu, Secretary-Treasurer
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
Dimitri Ossinsky, Vice-President, ICBC
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President, Combined Units
