June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
Re-circulated by the New Westminster & District Labour Council
National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21
This National Indigenous Peoples Day we stand in solidarity and support with Indigenous communities. The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association is holding a joint virtual event with the City of Surrey. Link and information can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/532015771502084
NIPD this year comes in the wake of the horrific and heartbreaking discovery of 215 Indigenous children in a mass unmarked grave at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.
If you are a survivor of the Indian Residential School system or inter-generational trauma there are supports available:
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society https://www.irsss.ca/home
Their mandate is
“To assist First Nation Peoples in British Columbia to recognize and be holistically empowered from the primary and generational effect of the Residential Schools by supporting research, education, awareness, establishing partnerships, and advocating for justice and healing. The Society assists Survivors with counselling, court support, information, referrals, workshops and more.”
IRSSS Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066
24hr National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-866-925-4419
For non-Indigenous delegates wanting to take action, here are some suggestions and resources:
From IRSSS
Learn about the impacts of the Indian Residential School system
- Read the TRC’s 94 recommendations
- Contact your MPs and local officials
- Actively listen to people of First Nations, Inuit and Métis backgrounds
- Stand up to stereotypes, prejudice and systemic racism
- Have conversations with your family and friends (even children)
- Be respectful towards trauma survivors and elders
- Support Indigenous-led community organizations
- Be patient, empathetic & receptive (it’s distressing for everyone)
- Raise awareness in your community/online (wear orange)
Read Volume 4 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the Residential School system: https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Volume_4_Missing_Children_English_Web.pdf
7 Free Ways to make a difference from First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
https://fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do
Donate and support work at organizations like:
https://fncaringsociety.com/donate
Follow and amplify Indigenous voices on social media and in the news:
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