Events to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 are planned for Penticton, but at present, there are no formal events planned for Summerland.
Summerland mayor Doug Holmes said he will be speaking with y虛ilmix史m (Chief) Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band, but added that events to recognize the day do not usually fall onto municipalities.
鈥淚t really is not our place to say how the day should be commemorated, just like it鈥檚 not our place to organize the Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11,鈥� Holmes said.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on Sept. 30, is a day to honour survivors of the institutions known as residential schools, and to honour the Indigenous children who did not return home from those institutions.
Orange Shirt Day, on the same day, is an Indigenous led day to raise awareness of the long-lasting effects of these institutions.
From 1867 to 1996, there were 140 federally-run residential schools in Canada. These institutions were funded by the federal government and administered by Christian religious denominations.
Around 150,000 children were placed in these institutions. Thousands died while in the custody of these facilities.
Those placed in these institutions were separated from their families and forbidden from speaking their languages and observing their religions, and cultures.
Holmes urges people to commemorate the day by wearing an orange shirt and participating in the two-kilometre Walk for Reconciliation, which is organized by the Okanagan Nation Alliance.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Safeway parking lot in Penticton and ends at the Penticton Fish Hatchery.
The Four Seasons Cultural Society also hosts a Celebration of Indigenous Culture and Resiliency in Penticton later that day.
鈥淲hile I understand many people would like to see such an event in Summerland, as would I, we need to appreciate that Penticton is more accessible and convenient for snpink鈥檛n band members,鈥� Holmes said.
He said the two Penticton events are Indigenous-led.
鈥淥ur role as municipalities is to assist the grassroots efforts of our community members and Syilx neighbours,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not for local government to think we know best and take charge; that is a colonial mindset.鈥�
One of council鈥檚 published strategic priorities is to support truth and reconciliation through meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities, Holmes said earlier this year.
The municipality was a sponsor of the Pow Wow Between the Lakes event, held in Penticton in July. Summerland council approved $8,000 to support this event.
Holmes and Coun. Richard Barkwill attended the event.
鈥淥ur sponsorship of the Pow Wow is part of our ongoing effort to build a strong and respectful relationship with our Syilx neighbours,鈥� Holmes said shortly after this event.
