September 30, 2024

 

 

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – September 30, 2024) As the country recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) emphasizes that today is a solemn opportunity for governments and the public to reflect, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) findings and its 94 Calls to Action.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is extremely concerned that candidates in Mr. Rustad’s B.C. Conservative Party are openly doubting the truths that Residential School Survivors have bravely and generously shared. There is no place for such racist and hurtful actions in our society, let alone in government. It is crucial that we validate and honour the experiences of those who have suffered, acknowledging their truths and the courage it takes to share them.”

 

On this day, we urge everyone to approach the painful history of residential schools with compassion and open-heartedness. It is imperative to learn about Canada’s racist and genocidal origins and to understand the profound significance this day holds for First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. Survivors, intergenerational survivors and their families continue to bear the weight of the trauma inflicted by Residential Schools, the failed child protection system and other oppressive institutions, including the recent and rampant Residential School denialism expressed by several municipal leaders, institutions and other organizations.

 

In June 2024, the UBCIC Chiefs Council unanimously passed Resolution 2024-33, rejecting all forms of Residential School racist denialism and the spread of racist misinformation. In the wake of this resolution, UBCIC sent letters to B.C. municipalities urging them to uphold the experiences of survivors and the TRC’s findings, to implement the TRC’s Calls to Action, and support survivors. Despite decades of advocacy from survivors, inter-generational survivors, and their loved ones, this issue remains pervasive. When Residential School survivors share their truths, it is not an option to raise questions or turn away. The UBCIC will continue to stand with survivors and calls on all levels of government and the public to promote truth, recognition, and respect as essential steps toward transformative reconciliation. 

 

With the understanding that today may be particularly triggering to survivors, their families and loved ones, mental health and cultural support resources can be found below:

 

Counselling Service offers mental health counselling and crisis intervention to Indigenous people across Canada. 

Toll-Free: 1-855-242-3310 

http://www.hopeforwellness.ca  

 

Toll-free: 1-800-721-0066  

 

Toll-Free: 1-800-588-8717 

(First Nations and Indigenous specific) 

310– Mental Health: 310-6789 (no area code) 

Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433

 

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Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314

Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083

Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

 

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca