Pathways to Truth & Reconciliation: an Ally’s Guide to the Southern Gulf Islands
We know the Southern Gulf Islands today as a place of refuge, restoration, adventure, and creativity—a place to slow down and escape the bustle of urban life. In fact, these shores have been seeing newcomers arrive for over 150 years. But to fully understand, appreciate, and respect the lifestyle and environment that characterize our archipelago, we have to engage with the Indigenous heritage. Whether short-term visitors, long-term residents, or organizations, we all have a responsibility to learn.
Janey Rowland, a Michif (Metis) resident of S,DÁYES (Pender Island) has agreed to accompany us on this step in our journey of Truth & Reconciliation. In addition to developing an Inclusive Communications for Diverse Audiences workshop series, as a Project Coordinator with the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre, she is passionate about her community and advancing decolonization in the Southern Gulf Islands.
“Marsii (thank you) for asking me to be a small part of this important project. I am honored to be one of your guides.”
Where to Start?
Janey tells us, “Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) peoples and their cultures have been erased from our history books and from our collective memory. It’s important to begin filling in the blanks that have been left in our learned history.”
If you’re making travel plans, start with the history of the Hul’qumi’num speaking First Nations or Four Histories of How Things Came To Be according to W̱SÁNEĆ Creation. Visit Native Land to see the other Indigenous territories and languages that have history in the Southern Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea or for a lighthearted approach, take the Home on Native Land online course by Raven Trust.
Understand Residential Schools
Janey explains,”Residential Schools were an attempt by Canada’s government to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian society by forcibly taking them away from their families and placing them in ‘schools’ run by religious organizations—destroying Indigenous culture and language. It’s important to recognize the responsibility of creating emotional space—remembering the young lives lost and their stories hidden in this part of Canada’s dark history.”
She adds that, “taking time to do some research into the tragedy of residential schools is emotionally heavy but important for registering the impacts of the actions of the Canadian government and the Church.”
PENÁ¸LEXEȾ (Penelakut Island), just north of Salt Spring, was home to one of Canada’s most notorious residential schools, operating from July 23, 1890 to June 30, 1975. Listen to this CBC podcast series to help you understand this aspect of Southern Gulf Islands history.
What is Truth & Reconciliation?
Established in 2008 to investigate the legacy of residential schools and the lasting impacts they had on Indigenous peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada sought to uncover the truth about what happened in the Residential School System and to guide Canadians toward reconciling with Indigenous nations.
Janey suggests, “read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Understand and put into practice the ways that all of us settlers in the Southern Gulf Islands can do better. Everyday.”
Janey suggests, “read about acts of reconciliation here in our communities and learn about the ṮEṮÁĆES Revitalization Project, which supports reconnection of the W̱SÁNEĆ people with their traditional homeland in the islands. You can also use the Guide for Settlers created by the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council to guide you through this important work.”
How to be an Ally
“Allies can be individuals or groups that may not directly experience discrimination on the basis of race or gender but work to create change for marginalized groups through advocacy and education. Make the choice to acknowledge and respect the culture and artistry of the First Peoples of these islands when you visit. Get involved.”
Connect with The Stqeeye’ Learning Society, a charitable non-profit based on Salt Spring Island whose central goal is to strengthen cultural relationships at Xwaaqw’um Village (Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park). Visit the Salish Sea Garden Project, a Parks Canada partnership, to learn more about the restoration of food sources and knowledge for the W̱SÁNEĆ people.
Understand Language and Culture
“Get to know the Indigenous groups of the region. Research the language and culture, like place names for ancestral and traditional sites. Remember that we changed the names when we took the Indigenous inhabitants’ place.”
Visit the Stories (Sxwi’em’) from the Hul’q’umi’num’ to listen to a collection of videos, translations, lessons, and more. The First Voices website is also an excellent resource with audio recordings, dictionaries, songs and even downloadable keyboards.
Janey suggests, “attend events and activities that individual community organizations host in this region. Create space and acceptance for the celebration of Indigenous identity. Make certain to recognize the years of craftsmanship and cultural connection lost in the impacts of residential schools. Recognize the importance of the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have kept these creative cultural connections alive, regardless of the dangers of doing just that.”
RAVEN Trust hosts initiatives and events in the islands that support Aboriginal values and environmental needs. You can also learn about the Potlatch Bans, an important piece of the history of the Coast Salish tribes of British Columbia, to help you understand more of the impacts felt by the forced colonization of the Coast Salish peoples.
Create Lasting Change
Janey reminds us that, “September 30th has become an important day here for the inhabitants of Turtle Island (North America), but the question we should be asking ourselves is how can we do more? Let’s begin exploring everyday acts of Truth and Reconciliation, whether at home or on holiday.”
There are many unique and talented Indigenous entrepreneurs across the Southern Gulf Islands and one everyday act of reconciliation is to support the Indigenous-owned and -operated initiatives within our communities.
Schedule a pleasure charter with Gulf Island Seaplanes to create an unforgettable travel experience. Seek out Salt Spring’s Indigenous Mural. Purchase apparel that supports Xwaaqw’um. Explore the phenomenal creations of W̱SÁNEĆ artists. Be part of regenerating an inclusive heritage in the Southern Gulf Islands.
