ς Bridges le ε κ ι τ ν Mon υθ ε α de d n o s S e e g h c t o n e La a nda i M d ngu A il ry L Vol 2. Issue 1. June 2017 u es M B ustang TO RECOGNIZE Do you recognize the symbol below? Do you recognize the language written within? Why not? The answer, quite simply, is that for the last several hundred years, the Kwantlen Nation has simply not been recognized. We come into Canada’s 150th birthday, celebrating the youngest nation to exist on these territories. If you don’t understand why this is problematic, then let’s do an activity together. I would like you to imagine someone you love, and once you have someone in mind, start to write a brief statement recognizing their existence, their influence, their effect on your life. Now, share this recognition with someone who may not know that individual. How do you feel by doing so? How do you think the person you love feels knowing that you recognize all that they do? The reason we should recognize the unceded territories we stand on at every major function is because after hundreds of years of denial, assimilation, genocide, and hate, the Indigenous Peoples having survived all of this want to be known for more. They want to be recognized for all that they have contributed and continue to contribute to society. Why should we not, I ask you? Why should the territories and peoples that have existed from time immemorial not get to feel the same love as any other? ... and so I close with the following recognition… As settlers and visitors to these lands, I recognize that we stand on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo Nations. We recognize their contribution since time immemorial to civilization, culture, technology, language, and stewardship of nature. In surviving the worst that humanity could do, we recognize their resiliency, their strength, and the need to dedicate ourselves to true reconciliation so that our recognition holds more meaning than simple words. By Ms. Annie Ohana
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Aboriginal artwork throughout this publication inspired by the book “I am Raven” by David Bouchard & Andy Everson. Students’ artwork reflects their personal spirit animals. Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Ohana for her guidance and support. Top to bottom: Bianca Cabales, Paula Tress, and Makaylah Marcellus Roblin.