Agassiz-Harrison was in a sea of Canadian pride on Canada Day as locals and visitors celebrated on Saturday.
As is tradition, area officials and First Nations leaders welcomed the crowds to the community.
District of Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger highlighted the district’s close working relationship with communities around it and with area First Nations leaders, particularly through the Lets’emot Community to Community Forum.
Cheam First Nation Chief Andrew Victor acknowledged the District of Kent’s cancellation of Canada Day celebrations in 2021 to honour a time of mourning after unmarked graves of children at residential schools were discovered in Kamloops.
“We appreciate that the leadership of the District of Kent acknowledged a sacred time of grieving,” Victor said. “It’s leadership like that that we’re able to build a foundation for reconciliation and that we can reform what societal relationships look like.”
The Cheam First Nation is part of the Pil’alt tribe. Pil’alt territory stretches from the Chilliwack River toward Jones Hill, Mount Woodside, the east side of Harrison Lake and into the Fraser Canyon. The District of Kent is on traditional Stó:lo territory, neighbouring the Cheam, Seabird Island, Sq’éwlets and Sts’ailes First Nations communities.
Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon said a few words as well.
“It is fantastic when we all get to come together and celebrate,” she said. “Please be safe, stay hydrated and happy Canada Day.”
Harrison Hot Springs Mayor Ed Wood said Canada Day is an opportunity to reflect on the country’s past, look to the future and embrace its diversity.
Sts’ailes Chief Ralph Leon welcomed visitors and residents to Sts’ailes land; Harrison Hot Springs is on the site of the ancient village of Qwólts.
“We really thank you for being here, regardless where you are from on this beautiful earth,” he said. “I acknowledge you as my brothers and sisters. That’s what you are to our people of Sts’ailes. We cherish vall those that live here, all those that work here.”
adam.louis@ ahobserver.com
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