September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to reflect on the legacy of the residential school system in Canada and the disproportionate impact its legacy has had on Indigenous peoples. More importantly, it is a day to remember the children who never came home and to honour the dignity, strength and resilience of survivors and intergenerational survivors.
It is important to reflect on the past. However, it is equally as important to reflect on the present challenges facing Indigenous communities and how to move forward. It is important to reflect on the fact that Indigenous women account for approximately 16% of all female homicide victims and 11% of missing women in Canada, despite Indigenous peoples accounting for only about 4.3% of Canada’s total population. It is important to reflect on the fact that water-borne diseases are approximately 26 times higher in First Nations communities than the national average. Yet, it is also important to reflect on the fact that despite many years of attempted assimilation, Indigenous communities and culture are still here through strength, determination and resilience.
Pushor Mitchell will be closed on Monday, October 2nd to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The City of Kelowna has compiled resources to help our community to better understand the legacy of residential schools and to find ways to support, this link can be found here.