By Don Urquhart
Over $14,000 was raised at Nk’Mip Cellars’ fundraising gala for residential school survivors held on Sept. 30 with a cheque for $14,478.30 recently presented to the society providing support to survivors and families experiencing intergenerational trauma.
The First Annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Fundraising Gala at the award winning Osoyoos Indian Band-owned Nk’Mip Cellars (managed by Arterra Wines) was met with rave reviews of an event that was both a gala celebration and poignant reminder of the importance of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
Held at North America’s first Indigenous owned winery, the event featured live music, food, wine tasting, and a silent auction of various items donated by an array of local, regional, and provincial businesses.
Barbara Morin, Director, People and Policy at the Indian Residential School Survivors Society expressed the views of many who attended the gala even when she said: “I was impressed by the thoughtfulness and quality of the auction items, food and venue.
“The theme and focus on truth and reconciliation was highlighted throughout the event and was evident in our joint efforts moving toward and maintaining respect and understanding.”
Overall, she added, the event was very well organized, and “we are very thankful for the efforts of all involved.”
Clarence Louie, Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band shares his perspective on Truth and Reconciliation during the Nk’mip Cellars gala event. Don Urquhart photo
Troy Ravndahl, Estate Manager of Nk’mip Cellars noted the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation “holds immense significance as a day of reflection, remembrance, and healing for all Canadians.
“At Nk’Mip Cellars, we are committed to honouring this day through an evening of unity, compassion, and support for the survivors and their families. We believe that by coming together, we can contribute to the healing process and help create a brighter future for Indigenous communities across Canada.”
Ravndahl said the event was very well received with over 150 guests in attendance enjoying the ceremonies, entertainment, food, wine and messages from local dignitaries about the significance of reconciliation. And he added that thanks to the “extremely generous” guests the original goal of raising $10,000 was significantly exceeded.
As an organization that is reliant on donor dollars, the $14,478.30 raised at the event “will go a long way in supporting our programs and work that we do for our Indian Residential School Survivor community,” Morin said.
The event had a positive impact on the society’s work, not simply through the monetary donation, but because the event was able to highlight IRSSS to the broader community and increase the awareness around the residential schools and the inter-generational trauma they have caused, she added.
“We would, once again like to express our gratitude to Nk’Mip Cellars for choosing the IRSSS as the beneficiary for their event. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Nk’Mip Cellars moving forward and having the opportunity to work with them again on their annual gala next year.”
Ravndahl confirmed the winery is planning to continue hosting the fundraising event and is already thinking of some tweaks, like possibly incorporating a live auction aspect into the evening on some of the most sought-after packages that were put together for the evening.
The over 150 attendees at the gala event exceeded the goal of raising $10,000 through generous bidding on silent auction items. Don Urquhart photo
“We plan to continue to host this fundraising event going forward so we can continue to bring awareness and continue the discussions around the importance of truth and reconciliation,” he added.
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) strives to provide physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual growth, development, and healing through culturally based values and guiding principles for survivors, families, and communities.
The goal is to assist First Nation Peoples in BC to recognize and be holistically empowered from the primary and generational effect of the Residential Schools by supporting research, education, awareness, partnerships, and advocating for justice and healing. The Society assists survivors with counselling, court support, information, referrals, workshops, and more. Visit their website at irsss.ca for more information.
