The third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was recognized in Enderby with a big show of support.
Splatsin and those from other Indigenous bands, as well as non-Indigenous community members, gathered in Enderby to walk from the Visitor Centre to the Splatsin Community Centre on Saturday, Sept. 30, to recognize the important day that honours residential school survivors and those who didn’t make it home.
Splatsin Elders and survivors rode a float and walked behind, as drummers led a long parade of allies, families and friends.
Ending at the community centre, inside were memorials for Splatsin members who have passed away and information about the upcoming survivors’ monument, being planned by a committee and recently selected artist Tania Willard.
A welcome prayer and speeches were shared, including songs by kids’ Eagles group members and a list read aloud of all the Splatsin residential school attendees.
This was the first time all the names have been compiled and shared as the research has recently been done to gather that specific information, said organizers.
Splatsin survivors sat at the front and were honoured with a standing ovation, songs and prayer.
A bannock and salmon lunch was then served to go along with conversation and story-sharing.
Read more: Historic day in Enderby as schools commemorate Truth and Reconciliation
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