Communities Unite for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, 2023, communities across the North Okanagan region of British Columbia marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a series of events aimed at honoring survivors of residential schools. Various organizations came together to provide opportunities for reflection, learning, and remembrance.

Events Across the Region

The Splatsin Tsm7aksáltn Society kicked off the day with its annual walk in Enderby, starting at 10 a.m. from the Enderby Chamber of Commerce located at 700 Railway St.. Participants walked to the Splatsin Community Centre at 5767 Old Vernon Rd., demonstrating solidarity with survivors and their families.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Vernon North Okanagan Friendship Centre hosted the “Walking the Path Together: Truth & Reconciliation Gathering.” This event included a communal lunch, with attendees encouraged to wear orange shirts to symbolize remembrance. Located at 2904 29th Ave., the gathering served as a space for community dialogue and reflection.

Another significant event took place at Komasket Park, organized by the Okanagan Indian Band. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., participants gathered to commemorate the Indian Residential School Survivors, with a reminder to wear comfortable shoes for the walk. This event highlighted the importance of acknowledging the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.

Educational Opportunities and Community Engagement

The Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society offered a self-guided Indigenous Learning Tour, available until October 17. This initiative provided community members with resources to learn about the history of residential schools and engage in meaningful discussions about reconciliation.

Additionally, the Vernon & District Métis Association hosted two film screenings at the Vernon Towne Theatre on September 30. The first screening featured “Singing Back the Buffalo” at 3:30 p.m., followed by a viewing of “Indian Horse” for adults. These films were chosen for their powerful narratives that echo the themes of resilience and recovery among Indigenous communities.

Harwinder Sandhu, the MLA for Vernon-Lumby, emphasized the significance of these gatherings. He stated, “Let us honour the strength, dignity, and advocacy of survivors and intergenerational survivors by learning and talking about the history of residential schools and remembering the children that never came home. Every child matters.” Sandhu urged community members to reflect on their relationship with the land and to engage in conversations about reconciliation beyond just Orange Shirt Day.

As the day unfolded, communities throughout the North Okanagan demonstrated their commitment to recognizing the past and fostering a path toward unity and healing. Each event served as a reminder that the journey of reconciliation is ongoing and requires collective effort and understanding.