Westbank First Nation is deeply concerned and disappointed that Dallas Brodie, an individual widely associated with residential school denialism, has been invited to hold a public event within our traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory this weekend.
Residential schools are not a matter of opinion or political debate. The experiences of Survivors, the intergenerational impacts on Indigenous families and communities, and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are well documented and cannot be dismissed, minimized, or denied.
Westbank First Nation stands in solidarity with Residential School Survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities across Canada. We will continue to speak out against rhetoric that diminishes the experiences of our people and undermines reconciliation.
The following statement is pulled directly from the Okanagan Nation Alliance's website and can be found here.
stqaʔtkwłniw̓t, Westbank, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory: The Syilx Okanagan Nation is outraged by the announcement of the upcoming OneBC event in Kelowna featuring MLA Dallas Brodie. Brodie has clearly stated her position and that of her party regarding the history of Indian Residential Schools, and more seriously her denialism which has caused significant harm to Survivors, Elders, families, and Indigenous communities across British Columbia.
The Syilx Okanagan Nation stands firmly with Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and remains committed to truth, reconciliation, and the protection of Indigenous rights. While individuals have the right to express their views, statements that diminish, deny, or distort the lived experiences of Survivors are not welcome on Syilx Okanagan Territory.
“How a society chooses to speak about its most painful history reveals what it is willing to protect,” says Chief Clarence Louie. Attempts to rewrite or diminish the history of residential schools are harmful and unacceptable. “For us, the dignity of Survivors is not negotiable, and we will continue to stand firmly with them to ensure their truth is not erased.”
Media Contact for the Okanagan Nation Alliance:
Tara Montgomery, Communications Lead, Okanagan Nation Alliance
tmontgomery@syilx.org
250-862-6866