West Kelowna RCMP to host annual ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ canoe journey
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The West Kelowna RCMP Indigenous Police Service will hold its annual Truth and Reconciliation canoe journey on Monday, Sept. 29. The event begins at 1 p.m., with participants departing Kelowna’s City Park and paddling across Okanagan Lake to Westbank First Nations Beach.
Students from Mount Boucherie Secondary School and Cst. Nell Bruce Middle School will join RCMP members for the journey, which follows traditional Indigenous customs and protocols. Upon arrival, participants will meet with Westbank First Nation chief and council, elders, and survivors.
Youth taking part in the canoe journey will perform the Okanagan song as taught by a Westbank First Nation knowledge keeper. Westbank First Nation Elder Marion Radawetz will provide an Elder blessing, and participants will present a Every Child Matters quilt blanket to elders and survivors.
RCMP members and youth will serve a traditional lunch to chief and council, elders, and invited guests following the ceremony.
