Part 3: Government Website

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

When: On March 9, 2023, the province of British Columbia passed legislation to make September 30th a statutory holiday. In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed  Bill C-5 to make September 30 a federal statutory day. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in B.C. law gives people the chance to reflect upon the history of the residential schools on September 30th every year. This was done by creating the new act or law called The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Act.

Why: More British Columbians or Canadians will be able to contribute to the day such as attending events, reading or watching indigenous or indigenous created content, supporting indigenous businesses, wearing an orange shirt, and reflecting upon themselves. Orange shirt day has become a very important event that covers topics like racism and bullying. Its a day that encourages the relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Since the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, during this event ensured that employees had time to reflect and commemorate on the meaning of the event. The government also made it so B.C. workers are able to have the event without working with  a paid day off or higher payment if required to work.

British Columbia, Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” Province of British Columbia, 2023, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation#in-bc / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Accessed 8 Nov 2023.

Part 4: Digital Resource PDF

calls_to_action_english2.pdf (gov.bc.ca)

Call to Action #63 iii is: Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.

This assignment helps me build intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect by teaching the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples. Learning about any cultures hardships or history helps you build understanding and empathy for them. Building capacity for empathy is impossible while learning about indigenous peoples discrimination and hardships.

British Columbian Government, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action British Columbian Government  2015 https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf

Part 5 : Video

I learned that findings confirmed occupation of ancestral lands for at least 10,000 years, since the last ice age. Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam also take their name after the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm are named after “Red Fish Up the River” from an spring sockeye salmon run that once flourished in the Coquitlam River. The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm are descended from ancestors who were spirit and winter dancers, skilled canoe builders, and master salmon and sturgeon fishers. Their land is central to ever aspect to their life and today they are guided by their teachings.

“The Story of Kiwkwetlem YouTube, uploaded by Kwikwelem First Nation, 4 October, 2021

The Story of Kwikwetlem – YouTube Accessed Nov 10 2023

Part 6 : Audio

I learned that the Kwikwetlem language has a very different pronunciation compared to English and the Kwikwetlem languages words have deep meanings and traditions behind each word.

I learned that Kwikwetlem Peoples or community members are called kʷikʷəƛ̓əm m̀əlstéyəx ^w     and I learned the pronunciation of Kwiketlem.

^{Kwikwetlem First Nations. “Pronunciation Guide” Kwikwetlem First Nation, Kwikwelem First Nation, 2021, www.kwikwetlem.com/pronunciation-guide.htm. 10 Nov 2023}