As we reflect on Truth and Reconciliation Day, I ask each of us to honour the resilience, strength, and spirit of Indigenous Peoples, including our Tsawwassen First Nation community.
This day is an opportunity to acknowledge the painful legacy of residential schools, but also to recognize the enduring presence of our cultures, traditions, and languages that have survived despite tremendous hardship.
Reconciliation is not just a moment or a single day. It is a commitment to fostering understanding, respect, and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Each step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future where the truths of our past are understood, and our shared journey is one of mutual support, respect, and justice.
A recent example of reconciliation in action is the incorporation of the 11 parcels of land at Brunswick Point into Tsawwassen First Nation lands. This return of land, which holds significant cultural and historical value to our people, is a powerful step towards righting past wrongs. It stands as a symbol of progress, demonstrating how meaningful collaboration between governments and Indigenous Nations can lead to the restoration of our rightful place on the land. It is a reminder that reconciliation is possible when there is a genuine commitment to restoring relationships and honouring Indigenous rights.
Today, I encourage everyone to learn, listen, and engage in conversations that support meaningful change. Together, we can build a future grounded in the principles of equity, empathy, and partnership, ensuring the continued strength and vibrancy of our people and our culture.
In unity and respect.
