Penticton Indian Band refuses to recognize national day as community event draws hundreds
Global News
The PIB said in a statement that it's "far too premature" to announce or celebrate a day of Truth and Reconciliation.
The Penticton Indian Band (PIB) chief and council said it will not recognize Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a community event attracted hundreds of participants.
The PIB said in a statement that it’s “far too premature” to announce or celebrate a day of Truth and Reconciliation because there have been “no real substantive actions” to show a genuine commitment to reconciliation.
“For years we have heard the same statements and promises being made and yet everything remains status quo,” the PIB wrote.
“We as a people have struggled and continue to suffer from the effects of colonialism forced on to us by the Catholic Church and the Government of Canada. We hope that all citizens look at ways to educate themselves on the true history of what we as a people continue to struggle with.”
The PIB said it did not want to discourage community members and the public from having events that recognize and honour the lives lost as a result of the residential school atrocity, but encouraged those participating in events to keep the message that “we are still here” and “we will never forget.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of people donning orange shirts descended on The Peach, an iconic Penticton landmark, before walking approximately five kilometres along Lakeshore Drive to the Residential School Memorial on Penticton Indian Band land.
Organizer Anne Benn said the 6,000 steps symbolize the thousands of children discovered in unmarked burial sites near former residential schools across the country.
“I thought I was just going to have a few of my friends and it’s amazing how much this has grown, so I’m amazed at the support within this community,” Benn said.