#CaribooRD re-affirms commitment to reconciliation

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has valued and greatly appreciates cooperative relationships with the First Nations and Indigenous People of the Cariboo and Chilcotin since the Regional District was incorporated in 1968. Today, Canadians expect all levels of government to work toward to an effective, respectful relationship with First Nations. In that spirit, the CRD is reaffirming its commitment to the principles and practices of reconciliation. We believe they are critical to the healing journey Canada needs to undertake with regard to injustices inflicted on indigenous people.

There is pain in Canada’s past. We see a history of discrimination, prejudice, and colonialism -- enmeshed with stories of courage, achievement, and sacrifice. For those who attended residential schools, suggestions to find the good in that history, or put the past behind them, are more hurtful than helpful. For those who feel non-indigenous people are being blamed for the racism and prejudice of yesterday, a different feeling of discomfort is experienced. There can be a desire to claim the institutions we were taught to trust and revere had good intentions behind their bad decisions. This viewpoint hampers the path to healing. To that end, and in light of recent events, the Cariboo Regional District absolutely disagrees with the views on the impacts of residential schools shared by Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb.

The principles of reconciliation are guiding the Board Chair, Directors, and Staff of the CRD in the Regional District’s mandate of ‘building communities together.’ We believe it is the right approach to bring healing and create a framework for a better future. We will continue to work with First Nations, local municipalities, the province, and federal government to realize these important goals.