Two public events will be held in November in conjunction with the hɛhɛwšin reconciliation project, which began with the carving of a canoe that was presented to the Tla’amin people.
At the Tuesday, October 1, City of Powell River committee of the whole meeting, councillors were told about a reconciliation walk and sign unveiling ceremony planned for November.
Cyndi Pallen, a hɛhɛwšin representative, told the committee of the whole that councillors were invited to a reconciliation walk on November 10, at 11:30 am, from Willingdon Beach to the Wharf at Westview. All area residents are welcome to attend.
Pallen said through hɛhɛwšin, organizers would like to move forward by creating time and space to share some of the history along with building relationships in a safe manner built on Tla’amin teachings.
“The walk for reconciliation is designed to transform and renew the very essence of relationships among indigenous peoples and all Canadians,” said Pallen. “It sounds so simple, but just the acts of gathering and walking and sharing our stories can join us all in a shared commitment to creating a new way forward in our relationships with each other. Our future depends on being able to simply get along with respect for each other for the unique gifts we all bring.”
Pallen said the walk was originally conceived as a way of healing among indigenous peoples and all Canadians, in light of the legacy of Indian residential schools.
“The walk for reconciliation is a new way forward,” said Pallen. “The walk is for everyone; it is a walk for peace. It is a chance to reconcile our differences, and our hearts, for the better good of all.
“We will be sharing the transformation and changes that have taken place over the years, and the experiences of first nations peoples. One example is that we went from being called Indians, natives, first nations, aboriginal and now indigenous. Part of this process will be to bridge understanding through providing a place and time to learn about the history.”
Pallen said John Louie will be in attendance to share on behalf of the impact residential schools had on indigenous people, across BC and Canada.
She said the second part was with regard to the hɛhɛwšin canoe project that was conducted in 2017. There will be a hɛhɛwšin signs unveiling ceremony on November 17, from noon to 3 pm at Willingdon Beach. Pallen said it is an opportunity to provide space and time for people to come together.
Pallen said there is a lack of understanding within the Powell River community and Tla’amin community and relationships have to be bridged on both sides.
“We are always looking for a place and opportunity to speak about residential schools and how people have been impacted,” she said. “We’ve been working to reach understanding and opportunities to share with people.”
Phil Russell, hɛhɛwšin representative, said that on November 17 there will be three signs unveiled where the canoe was carved, which is the anniversary of when the hɛhɛwšin canoe was presented to the Tla’amin people.
“We are inviting everyone here to come and be a part of that,” said Russell.
He said organizers were hoping for financial support, as well as for tents for the elders.
Mayor Dave Formosa thanked the speakers for their ongoing work in this area.
“It’s appreciated by the whole community,” said Formosa.
He added that the city had previously provided money for expenses related to the hɛhɛwšin project and that the city could also look at assistance with busing.
Councillor George Doubt thanked Pallen and Russell for the invitation to the two events. He said he thinks they are a great idea and walking together from one area of town to another is an opportunity for people to talk and understand each other’s experiences.
“I hope we have a big turnout from the community,” said Doubt.
Pallen said wherever they go, and when they are sharing with other people, people always say that we have such a great community.
“I wanted to share that because it says something,” she added.
