A message from Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and Peachland Council
September 30 is a day to pause and reflect on the history of residential schools, honour the survivors, and remember the children who never returned home. It is also an opportunity to consider what reconciliation asks of each of us today.
Truth and reconciliation is about more than remembering the past. It is about continuing to learn, listening to Indigenous voices and experiences, and building relationships based on respect, understanding and trust.
As a community, Peachland is fortunate to have opportunities to build those relationships with our First Nation neighbours. Our Council-to-Council relationship with Westbank First Nation continues to provide opportunities for meaningful conversation, shared learning and collaboration on issues that matter to our communities.
For me, reconciliation is about creating space for those conversations and being willing to listen and learn. It is also about recognizing that relationships are strengthened through the small, consistent actions we take throughout the year.
All this week, Peachlanders are invited to share messages of observation at the 13th Street Viewpoint. Find a tag there and write a message to join the other voices. Together as a community, the healing can take place.
May this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation be a time of reflection, learning and renewed commitment to building respectful relationships and a stronger community together.
On behalf of Peachland Council, I extend our respect to residential school survivors, their families and all those who continue to carry the impacts of this history.
Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and Peachland Council
District offices will be closed Wednesday, September 30 in observation of this statutory holiday.
