The SISSIP Network would like to commemorate and honour the lives of the lost children and survivors of Canadian Residential Schools. We stand in solidarity with the Indigenous community and reaffirm our commitment to being allies and educating ourselves.
We acknowledge we are situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including the Semiahma (Semiahmoo), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) land-based nations.
September 30th, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
In honour of this Day, the Surrey Intercultural Seniors Social Inclusion Partnership (SISSIP) Network would like to honour the culture, history and traditions of Indigenous peoples of Canada. We would like to use our platform to educate Canadians, giving a voice to all the lives lost to the Canadian nation-state – Indigenous lives, Black lives, migrant lives, women, trans and two-spirit lives.
In addition to amplifying indigenous voices today we are also committed to a greater cause; one that is not of the past but rather the ideals and aspirations of the future. A more culturally inclusive, compassionate and diverse Canada. A better Canada for all.
Below is a list of resources and events to commemorate this day.
Resources
Start your learning journey here by exploring more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1621447127773/1621447157184
In June 2021, PICS was involved in an online event Getting to know of the First nations of Canada and Indigenous Culture. Influential and well-known Aboriginal speaker, Norm Leech, Executive Director of Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre (VACPC) spoke about the history, heritage, spirituality, cultures, rights and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada as well as the role and responsibilities of the Government of Canada towards these peoples. This important knowledge shared by Norm brought awareness to PICS staff of the issues related to Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
Norm is also a regular speaker on Aboriginal issues at major AMSSA, BCSIS and IRCC conferences and events. Please see the following videos featuring Norm Leech:
AMSSA Lecture: Working with Newcomers on Unceded Territory Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obv6d-OrP-Q
AMSSA Lecture: Working with Newcomers on Unceded Territory Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LwAzef5i04
Events
Give yourself a chance to pause and reflect on why we need Truth and Reconciliation. Come join in for an afternoon of stories, drumming and tea.
This event is at Holland Park on King George (Surrey). It starts at 2 pm on September 30th.
Give yourself a chance to pause and reflect on why we need Truth and Reconciliation. Come join in for an afternoon of stories, drumming and tea.
This event is at Holland Park on King George (Surrey). It starts at 2 pm on September 30th.