September 30 is a day for reflection, learning and action. We invite working people everywhere in BC to join in marking this day by exploring and learning, supporting an Indigenous business, or taking part in one of the many events happening in communities throughout the province.
Engaging with the legacy of residential schools and the injustices of colonialism can be hard and often challenging. But it’s never been more important. And the work of Reconciliation begins with recognizing historical truths, including both the lasting pain of the residential school system and the reality of Aboriginal land title.
There are a handful of people who would rather pretend none of this happened than to acknowledge the role our government and our society played. And in the past few days, we’ve heard cynical politicians pandering to that desire and trying to sow doubt and denial about both. That’s a sign that we still have a lot of work to do.
But it’s also a sign of how much progress we’ve made together that those voices don’t speak for mainstream British Columbia. We know the only way forward is together.
On behalf of our affiliated unions and members from across our province, the BC Federation of Labour extends our hearts and our solidarity to all those healing from the painful legacy of residential schools. And we recommit to the work of reconciliation.