‘This day will become our Remembrance Day:’ Splatsin chief on National Day for Truth and Reconcilation

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“This day will become our Remembrance Day that will be honoured for the next seven generations for the lives lost under the genocidal laws of Canada”

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Christian added that acknowledging Canada’s genocide is the first step to moving forward together as a country.

“Canadians have to accept some responsibility in this. Learn the true history of Canada, not the history that has been taught to you in schools — Canada is built on the backs of our people, on the graves of our children and from the wealth of our lands and resources, Canadians need to know and acknowledge that,” said Christian.

Splatsin acknowledges that the unimaginable events of the past cannot be undone; however, the future of Indigenous children and Canada is in all our hands.

“Knucwentwecw (Secwepemctsin for helping each other) and learning our history and opening dialogue when individuals and communities are ready to talk, are critical to advancing the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action,” said Christian.

Splatsin encourages Canadians to follow these steps on the inaugural statutory holiday:

• Learn about the history of Indigenous communities in Canada from the communities themselves, not the current public education system.
• Read the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth & Reconciliation Report and recognize your role in the work that needs to be done.
• Learn how to properly acknowledge the land we live on.
• Create opportunities for dialogue for Indigenous People and trust Indigenous leaders.

The Splatsin people reside on reserve lands adjacent to the City of Enderby to the south and across the Shuswap River to the east, within the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc, the largest Interior Salish-speaking First Nation in Canada. Their traditional territory stretches from the B.C./Alberta border near the Yellowhead Pass to the plateau west of the Fraser River, southeast to the Arrow Lakes, and the upper reaches of the Columbia River encompassing 180,000 square kilometres, 32 communities, and a population of 15,000 people.

The Splatsin and Secwépemc has total jurisdiction and title to all of their people, lands, and resources and have not surrendered, ceded, or released them to the government.