Thousands March in Penticton for Truth and Reconciliation

Nearly one thousand individuals gathered in Penticton on September 30, 2023, to walk in solidarity for Truth and Reconciliation. This event marked the largest gathering in the South Okanagan and Similkameen region, with First Nations members and non-Indigenous allies joining together in a two-kilometre procession. The march culminated at the Syilx Indian Residential School Monument, a site of profound significance where local First Nations families were once forced to send their children to residential schools.

The day was dedicated to honouring the survivors of Canada’s residential school system, as well as those who died or never returned home. Elder Hazel Squakin emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “There were 4,000 children that died due to the residential schools, that is not counting the ones that didn’t come home.” She reflected on the cultural impact, noting, “They wanted to wipe out who we were, wipe our language out… To wear an orange shirt represents all the nations across the country, all their children.”

The emotional weight of the day resonated deeply among participants. Chief Keith Crow from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band pointed to a memorial panel featuring his grandmother and aunt, saying, “I hear the stories and I hear what they’ve gone through and I don’t wish that on anybody, ever again.” He called for unity, reminding attendees that “we’re way stronger as one than we are separated.”

Participants shared their personal stories, highlighting the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system. Chief Greg Gabriel from the snpink’tn (Penticton) Indian Band recounted his family’s experiences, noting, “I have many friends that are no longer with us because of what the residential school did to them, and to their spirit.” He expressed hope for future generations, stating, “We are currently dealing with inter-generational trauma… My hope is that the teachings that we pass on to our children are making a better future, as they are our future.”

The fifth official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was marked by the fifth Walk for the Children in Penticton. The inaugural event took place in 2021, following the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at residential school sites. This ongoing acknowledgment of the past serves as a reminder of the need for healing and understanding.

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield addressed those who deny the realities of the residential school system. He stated, “Denying what happened in the residential schools doesn’t make that memory disappear.” Bloomfield highlighted the progress made over the years, recalling a blockade by the band on Green Mountain Road just 30 years ago. “Now here we have the First Nations and the settler community walking hand-in-hand and closing down Highway 97,” he remarked, adding a touch of levity to the solemn occasion.

The gathering in Penticton serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. The shared commitment to honouring the past and fostering a brighter future for all is a testament to the strength and resilience of the community. As participants walked together, their collective voices echoed the call for understanding, healing, and unity across generations.