On National Indigenous Peoples Day, HSA calls again on governments to act on Truth and Reconciliation commitments
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. For many years this day has served to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada.
But this year is different.
The recent discovery by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation of unmarked graves for more than 215 children on the grounds of the former residential school in Kamloops is shocking for many, traumatizing for generations of survivors, and a turning point for all of us. It has deeply affected HSA members across the province, and delegates to the June 4-6 HSA convention voted to take several specific steps, including a $25,000 donation to the Indian Schools Survivors Society, and increased efforts to lobby all levels of government on the action needed to recognize this devastation with meaningful action.
Today, HSA marks National Indigenous Peoples Day with letters to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and BC Premier John Horgan, calling on each to show the leadership needed at this time.
Read the letters here.