September now holds the honour of including the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation each September 30th. In light of the calls to action, the federal government has recognized that to move forward with Indigenous peoples, we need to learn and to reflect on what has or hasn’t been taught to us. 

I think back to my school days and never once was there mention of something called a residential school. Nor was there the mention of trying to assimilate Indigenous peoples across Canada for more than 150 years. Or mention of the thousands of children who didn’t make it home.  It is amazing that just now we realize the enrichment of Canadian culture when we celebrate Indigenous ways.

We are moving forward. Our schools are moving forward and are having difficult conversations, those ones that make us feel uncomfortable. At schools across the district assemblies were held. Students showed how they were moving towards positive relationships with the land and Indigenous peoples. Words that came up repeatedly were: empathy, being a good friend, inclusion, support, and caring. Students showed an understanding of how trauma can be intergenerational and have lasting effects on communities. Students also acknowledged how language can be a collective way to move forward.

The city of Nelson is moving forward. You may have noticed that the signs coming into and leaving Nelson have changed. They now speak to passers-by in three languages: English, Ktunaxa (Too-NA-HA) and N̓səl̓xčin̓ (in-SILK-cheen). This kind of change speaks to the people that this is Indigenous land and Indigenous languages should be recognized and learned. They also speak to the positive welcoming message being received through Indigenous voice. 

The first sign says kiʔsuʔk kyukyit (KEY-sook KEY-you-key-it) which means “Greetings, welcome!” in the Ktunaxa language. It also says x̌ast sx̌lx̌ʕaĺt which means “Good Day” in N̓səl̓xčin̓. I feel like this is such a pleasant way to be greeted into a place. Also when you are leaving there is the casual tone of a friend that you’ll be seeing soon. ʔa·n wunikit (ON-woo-nikit) means “Until next time” in Ktunaxa and nínwiʔs ɬwikn̓tsn (NEE-noo-WEE slith-oo-WEEK-IN-CHIN) means “see you later”. The easy-going tone leaves the reader feeling like the door is open and we are ready to move forward together in a collective future and this future is looking bright!

Submitted by Naomi Legg, Aboriginal Academic Success Teacher, Redfish Elementary, LVR & REACH