North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is hosting a discussion later this month on the harms of Indian residential school denialism and pathways toward truth and reconciliation.
Blaney will be joined by MP Leah Gazan, a lifelong educator and human rights advocate.
The free event will be held on Monday, January 20th at Evergreen Theatre in Powell River.
The discussion will focus on the ongoing harms caused by Indian residential school denialism, explore its impact on survivors and communities, and discuss actionable ways to advance truth, justice, and reconciliation. Gazan will also speak on Bill C-413, a proposed bill aimed at preventing the promotion of hatred against Indigenous people.
“This discussion is about honouring the fact that Indigenous people who have lived through residential schools or are related to survivors of residential schools should not be put in a position where they have to defend that those experiences happened,” Blaney says.
“We collectively as a country must embrace the fact that residential schools happened and hold that as a collective truth. It’s not debatable, and every time we act as though it’s debatable that it occurred, we are silencing the voices of people and their families and loved ones who went through that lived experience.”
In a release, Blaney’s team says the event is an opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to learn, engage, and reflect on how communities can work together to honour survivors and ensure truth is at the centre of reconciliation efforts.
Admission is free; however to help plan for food and setup, those wishing to participate are encouraged to register on line at Eventbrite.
Campbell River Pushes For Help For Food Bank Distribution Centre
Spring Break Program Registration For CVRD Residents Opens This Week
Camping Reservations Now Open In Several BC Parks Campgrounds
More B.C. Wildfire Staff Travel To California To Assist With Wildfire
B.C. Fire Crews Sent To Fight Los Angeles Wildfire
