By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Syilx Okanagan Nation says it is “outraged” by the announcement of the upcoming OneBC event in Kelowna on June 14 featuring MLA Dallas Brodie.
The Nation said it stands firmly with Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and remains committed to truth, reconciliation, and the protection of Indigenous rights.
Brodie has repeatedly spouted views of residential school denialism and this has caused significant harm to survivors, elders, families, and Indigenous communities across British Columbia, the Nation said in a statement.
“While individuals have the right to express their views, statements that diminish, deny, or distort the lived experiences of Survivors are not welcome on Syilx Okanagan Territory.
“How a society chooses to speak about its most painful history reveals what it is willing to protect,” said Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band Chief and current Chair of the Chiefs Executive Council of the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA).
“Attempts to rewrite or diminish the history of residential schools are harmful and unacceptable.
“For us, the dignity of survivors is not negotiable, and we will continue to stand firmly with them to ensure their truth is not erased.”
