Statement on Truth and Reconciliation Day

Mr. Speaker, 

On May 27, 2021 the remains of 215 children were found buried on the site of the former Residential School in Kamloops. 

On June 14, 2021 volunteers from the community of Langley put up 215 crosses and children’s clothing at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum to remember and honour those children who did not make it home. The idea came from Cecilia Reekie, a former Langley school trustee and an inter-generational warrior, a term to replace warriors as encouraged by Kwantlen Chief Marilyn Gabriel. Cecilia was inspired by the sight of crosses with clothing when she visited Kamloops after news of the discovery. One year later, this memorial to the missing children still stands. 

I attended the candlelight vigil at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation last Friday and was once again moved by this display. Thank you to Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society and United Churches of Langley for organizing this vigil. And a special thank you to Cecelia Reekie for all the work she has done and continues to do to make sure everyone remembers the children who never returned home. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.