qathet Community Justice (qCJ) and Lift’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) group have issued a statement indicating they wish to express their unending thanks to Tla’amin Nation for its swift, transparent and decisive actions to keep all in the region as safe as possible in this last week.
“While our region has already seen multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19, this is the first instance a local health authority has released the information,” according to the statement. “We are proud to stand alongside the nation as they take these bold, brave steps to help us all protect ourselves and each other.
“We recognize that in doing so, they have prioritized the safety of our entire community over their own comfort, security and privacy. In turn, we respond with gratitude and support for the people on whose lands we are privileged to reside.”
The statement indicates that qCJ and DEI pledge to help community members transition through fear into understanding, and work together in the shared fight across qathet to help address this health emergency.
“This novel coronavirus does not discriminate based on borders, and we as qathet community members must lean into our shared humanity and support each other unconditionally,” the statement read. “This public outbreak is an opportunity to come together collectively in our care for each other.
In the statement, anyone requiring support or wishing to report discrimination due to pandemic events was asked to reach out to the following:
· Siobhan Brown, qCJ program coordinator, qcj@liftcommunityservices.org, 604.414.4203
· Ashley Van Zwietering, DEI secretary and community development program coordinator for Lift Community Services, ashley@liftcommunityservices.org, 604.414.4920
· Kathryn Colby, DEI chair and community development manager for Lift Community Services, kathryn@liftcommunityservices.org, 604.223.4430
