Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Bryce Williams and fellow members of his First Nation participated with tens of thousands of others who marched in Vancouver's Walk for Reconciliation on Sunday. It was a two-kilometre walk from Queen Elizabeth Plaza downtown to Strathcona Park.
The walk was part of B.C.'s annual Reconciliation Week, which honours residential school survivors and is a reminder that more needs to be done to meet goals established by Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The first walk in 2013 drew a reported 70,000 people.
Meanwhile, in its annual report released last week, the B.C. Treaty Commission noted 14 treaty negotiations are in the advanced stages. Chief commissioner Celeste Haldane said the goal is to see those treaties signed in the next two years. The report also highlights the TFN’s success following its historic urban treaty that came into effect in 2009.
“Let’s find a way to work together to make both of our communities sustainable, successful, and prosperous. Let’s collaborate and make things happen. We can jointly address and advocate to the different levels of government about our common concerns and interests for the region.” said Chief Williams.
