Editor: I recall several months ago the Kwantlen First Nation had been somewhat entertained with the idea with having artists paint designs onto the new BC Hydro power boxes that would replace the aging power poles through Glover Road and Fort Langley.
That proposal was shot down by the Fort BIA and the Township Council, citing reasons like who would foot the bill, as well as the idea that perhaps power boxes weren’t the most dignified way to honour the local First Nations community, who suffered over 10,000 casualties at the hands of colonial acts of genocide.
In hindsight, I would say rightfully so. It isn’t a dignified way to honour a key component in the making of the Fort Langley community.
Where would Fort Langley be if it had not stolen the land? Where would current values of land be without that original and outright theft of land and denigration of an entire culture?
So a rainbow crosswalk is intended to honor 54 people slain at an LGBTQ night club in Miami, with absolutely no historical or intrinsic connection to this community, that is fine.
Just don’t ask the Kwantlen Nation to do a token honour song at the unveiling until this council and citizens have the integrity to address its own versions of terror, prejudice, and genocide.
Brandon Gabriel,
Kwantlen First Nation
