Members of the public gathered at Tse’k’wa National Historic Site on September 30th to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day.
The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) co-hosted a campfire and open house on Monday. The event was held in recognition of the legacy of residential schools and the children who did not come home, as well as the survivors and their communities. It was one of several reconciliation events hosted in the North Peace this week, including a Tea and Round Dance hosted by Treaty 8 Tribal Association on Saturday and a Fishing Derby hosted by the Fort St John Metis Society on Sunday.
Our goal for this event was to create a safe space for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors to reflect on the day. It was encouraging to see so many people visit the site with open hearts and open ears, willing to learn about the continued legacy of residential schools. We are grateful for everyone who contributed to a healing environment. – Alyssa Currie, Tse’k’wa Executive Director
Community members from all backgrounds gathered at Tse’k’wa for an afternoon of learning and reflection. The event drew over a hundred people, many of whom wore orange shirts, to the National Historic Site. Visitors enjoyed campfires, warm refreshments in the archaeology dome, displays about the ongoing work of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, and self-guided walks on the interpretive trail to the cave. Staff from the Indian Residential School Survivors Society shared valuable learning and support resources with visitors, as well as snacks for the many children in attendance.
Our organization provides services to residential school survivors and families experiencing intergenerational trauma. We appreciate Tse’k’wa creating this opportunity on Truth and Reconciliation Day and allowing us to share our resources with their visitors – Adrienne Greyeyes, IRSSS Resolution Health Support Worker and Bigstone Cree Nation member
Attendees included Indigenous Elders, individuals and families from Fort St John and the surrounding area, international exchange students, members of the local media, and recent newcomers. Many visitors were experiencing the site for the first time and several were attending a Truth and Reconciliation event for the first time.
Thank you so much for opening up this wonderful space [and] providing resources [and] meaningful conversation on Truth [and] Reconciliation Day. I feel truly lucky to have got the opportunity to be here on such an important day. – Tse’k’wa guestbook entry, September 30 2024.
Mental health supports are available:
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society operates a 24-hour crisis line to support survivors and families across British Columbia and beyond. Survivors can also access support as part of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The crisis line will remain open during the winter holidays. Call the Lamathut Crisis Line at 1-800-721-0066.
Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310.
