Editor’s note: As a member of Discourse Community Publishing, SPIN uses quotation marks around the word “school” because the Truth and Reconciliation Commission found residential “schools” were “an education system in name only for much of its existence.”
Similar to last year, Sun Peaks won’t be hosting any events commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30, however that may change in the future.
There have been conversations between Deanna Campbell, chief administrative officer for Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM), Christina Antoniak, director of communications for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) and Naomi Kerchinsky, executive director for Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) about the possibility of planning local events, Kerchinsky said.
“In years past, we’ve gone around the same topic,” she said. “We showcase some of our Indigenous product offerings at Ohana [Deli], or through JuggerBean [Tattoo Parlour].”
While TSP, SPMRM or SPR haven’t planned any events this year, there are a few event opportunities in Kamloops for people to reflect on truth and reconciliation.
Truth and reconciliation in Sun Peaks
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal day of observance that began in 2021 to honour children taken from Indigenous families who were forced to attend “schools” funded by the government of Canada. To learn about residential “schools” in Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) reports offer historical context about the system that sought to erase cultural and family connections of Indigenous children from their families, which the TRC identifies as cultural genocide.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led movement that began 10 years ago in what’s been briefly known as Williams Lake in Secwépemc Territory by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a residential “school” survivor who shared her personal story of staff taking her orange shirt from her. The movement supports communities on a journey to reconciliation, raising awareness about the ongoing inter-generational impacts of residential “schools.”
SPMRM released a statement on their website reminding everyone to wear orange on Sept. 30, commemorating Orange Shirt Day along with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Part of the statement reads, “this day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.”
On behalf of the municipality, Campbell said while Sun Peaks specifically doesn’t have any planned events, she expects local activities and gatherings will be held in the surrounding First Nations communities.
Aside from the external notice online, she said staff are given information about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and they encourage them and all residents to take this time to recognize the impact of residential “schools” on Indigenous communities.
In acknowledgement of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Antoniak said SPR focuses on internal communication as well, providing employees with online resources and encouraging reflection.
SPMRM has been working to build an ongoing relationship with the three local bands, the Adams Lake Band, Neskonlith Band and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, Campbell said.
“Sun Peaks’ mayor and Council have identified strengthening relations with First Nations as a priority,” she said, acknowledging that Sun Peaks is on the traditional lands of the Secwépemc people.
“In the future, we would very much be open to exploring opportunities to partner with the bands to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through an event in the community here,” she said, mirroring a sentiment that Kerchinsky expressed as well.
Nearby events
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, Sept. 27. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of the Campus Activity Centre. There will be an opening prayer, welcome and more from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, along with words from TRU officials, a keynote speaker, Charlene Belleau (Esk’etemc) and the event will finish off with Honour songs and a Drum Circle.
Kamloops Film Society, with the help of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, presents the third Annual Stseptékwles re Sk’elép (Coyote Stories) Indigenous Film Festival, taking place from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29 at the Paramount Theatre at 503 Victoria St. There will be a series of films exploring Indigenous narratives from Canada as well as select international films, the lineup of which you can find online.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is hosting their own event as well. On Sept. 27, the general public is invited to explore Secwépemc culture through a series of engaging activities including a feast and traditional singing and dancing. This year, attendees can take a symbolic trip around the medicine wheel and there will also be a guided tour of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, with limited spots available.
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