It had been an emotional day for Indigenous communities throughout the country, but it was an important day to commemorate.

That91裸聊视频檚 what Westbank First Nation (WFN) Chief Christopher Derickson said about the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

91裸聊视频淛ust remembering not only the 215 kids that didn91裸聊视频檛 make it home but the ongoing trauma that Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada continue to suffer because of residential schools, colonial policies and ongoing systemic racism in Canada,91裸聊视频� he said.

The nation hosted a drumming circle for the community and those from outside WFN to remember the children whose remains have been found recently at various former residential school sites, as well as to mark the new national day as a step to reconciliation.

Elder George Fosberry spoke at the event, recounting his mother91裸聊视频檚 experiences in residential school and how he has seen her experiences affect their family.

91裸聊视频淚 don91裸聊视频檛 like the word reconciliation. I think it91裸聊视频檚 reparation. I think there needs to be a time of repair,91裸聊视频� he said.

91裸聊视频淎nd the only time (Canada91裸聊视频檚 relationship with Indigenous peoples) going to get repaired is if we could all work together, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, brothers and sisters. If you learn to understand what really happened and you know for a fact that it did happen, you can start to find ways to repair it.

91裸聊视频淢aybe you can start to repair it in your own heart. That91裸聊视频檚 a really good place to start.91裸聊视频�

Derickson said he agreed with Fosberry91裸聊视频檚 sentiments.

91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 definitely a gap there when it comes to what the government of Canada needs to do, but at the same time, I have more hope in Canadians in general to do the right thing and to stay educated about the past and to understand what created this legacy in Canada,91裸聊视频� he said.

91裸聊视频淎nd to get past the stereotypes and racist remarks or thoughts about who Indigenous people are and to start to understand who we are as a people and realize that we did not change the current state of our communities. This was forced on us. We do want a better life, just like all Canadians: we want access to affordable housing, clean drinking water, we want safe places for our families to grow up in.91裸聊视频�

Derickson said he is hopeful that today is a good beginning for many others to learn more about how they can help pave the way towards reconciliation, starting with community members coming to the drumming circle and listening to their stories.

91裸聊视频�(It was) really heartwarming and uplifting to see not just our community members come out but to see people from outside the community come in and take part in an event like this,91裸聊视频� he said.

READ MORE: Penticton Indian Band and Council denounce Truth and Reconciliation Day

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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