The District of Kent has canceled their Canada Day activities for this year, standing in solidarity with the Seabird Island Band.
Many municipalities across Canada are canceling Canada Day after the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops residential school in the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community followed by an addtional 715 unmarked graves at the Cowessess First Nations community in Saskatchewan.
“As collective citizens, we are going to stand with our Indigenous community members out of respect for their traditions and culture. Council unanimously elected to honour Seabird Island Band’s request to not celebrate during a time of grieving,” said a statement from district Mayor Sylvia Pranger on Tuesday. “As we work towards reconciliation, it is important to acknowledge our shared history and validate the discovered truths of what our country is built on.”
A collaborative message between Seabird Island Coun. Alexis Grace and Pranger will be available on district social media sites.
We encourage everyone to watch this video and educate yourself about Indigenous culture and the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 calls to action at Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada,” the statement said.
For more information, contact director of community services and projects Jennifer Thornton at 604-796-2235.
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