The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) offices will be closed on September 30, 2022 in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The closure is a period for reflection on the lasting impacts of the Canadian Indian residential school system, and as a time to listen and learn from Indigenous Peoples. The PRRD acknowledges the painful generational trauma that this system has caused, and reminds its residents that we are situated on the traditional territory of the Dane-Zaa (Beaver), signatories of Treaty 8 and the Metis BC Region 7.
“As a Regional District, the importance of this day cannot be understated. As the Board reaffirms our commitment to building meaningful relationships with our Indigenous neighbours, we are also reflecting on the steps we have taken throughout the past four years to lay the groundwork for increased cooperation and understanding. We recognize that although there is still much more work to do, we are proud of the progress we have made during this term, and are confident that the incoming Board will continue to provide the leadership necessary to keep us moving in a positive direction” – Chair Brad Sperling.
The Regional Board is committed to meaningful reconciliation with our Indigenous partners, and will continue to take steps in strengthening relationships, understanding and cooperation with our First Nations partners. Efforts to date have been guided by our 2019-2022 Strategic Plan and include:
- Memorandum of Understanding agreements completed with both Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations, and significant progress towards a third MOU with Doig River First Nation;
- The adoption of an anti-discrimination and anti-racism policy for all PRRD staff and Board members;
- The completion of our Cultural Safety Mission statement, in collaboration with Maugwa Clan Energy
- Successful Community 2 Community Forums held with Doig River First Nations, West Moberly First Nations, and Saulteau First Nation;
- Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #57 by providing ongoing training to our staff and Board members on cultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism, in collaboration with our Indigenous partners.
The PRRD will also be acknowledging Orange Shirt Day on September 30, 2022 in support of the Indigenous-led “Every Child Matters” movement, which honours the experience of residential school survivors and the commitment to ongoing reconciliation through the promotion of conversation and dialogue on our shared history.
“Meaningful reconciliation must start with a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, and this is something that we all have a role to take in, whether as government, businesses, or individuals. I encourage all residents to join in dialogue, engagement, learning, and reflection on the shared history of the residential school system this September 30th, and to look for ways to support truth and reconciliation at a local level, on an ongoing basis.” – Chair Brad Sperling.
For more information regarding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, or Indigenous advocacy at the PRRD, please visit the following websites: