The community of Salt Spring Island gathered together today with elders and members of the Penelakut Tribe who hosted an open invitation event in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Spune’luxutth elders shared personal stories of residential school and the harm the experience caused them, their families and their communities. They also spoke about the need for reconciliation and the importance of re-securing lands on Salt Spring Island to support the protection and preservation of their culture.
Penelakut Costal Blood Singers opened and closed the gathering from the end of Fernwood Dock with many attendees listening and enjoying the songs from all along the dock and the shore.
The event was sponsored and supported by The Hen and Hound Brasserie, Thrifty Foods, Transition Saltspring, CRD, Saltspring Public Library, DJ Rave Coach, Mouats Trading Co and Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue.
Hych'ka siem to all the elders, community members, and organizers for these beautiful moments together.
