June may be Pride Month, but a local society is reminding the public its also National Indigenous History Month.
Âé¶čAV Pride Society said in a statement they want people to think about and honour the history, heritage and diversity of Canadaâs First Nations, Inuit, and MĂ©tis not just this month, but after as well.
âThe recent tragic discovery of the remains of 215 children at the site of former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the territory of the TkâemlĂșps te Secwepemc has captured the attention of communities far and wide and brings this yearâs National Indigenous History Month into even sharper focus,â the group said.
The society added that members want to continue âfostering a community that is inclusive, equitable and kind as possibleâ, which extends to supporting Indigenous residents in the area.
âWe hope youâll join us in participating in National Indigenous History Month⊠whether thatâs takin the time to support an Indigenous artist, engaging with local Indigenous history, starting to learn an Indigenous language, making a purchase from an Indigenous-owned business, donating to an appropriate cause or doing something else that honours and celebrates Indigenous folks and culture.â
For those who may have been impacted by residential schools and the recent news of the Kamloops site, you can call the Indian Residential School Survivors Societyâs crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.
READ MORE: Gathering in Salmon Arm honours âtiny ancestorsâ at Kamloops residential school site
twila.amato@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on .