VICTORIA B.C. – B.C. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau released the following statement on Orange Shirt Day:
“Today we recognize those who have been impacted by horrific injustices in residential schools. This is a time to acknowledge the past and current trauma, honour survivors, and mourn the lives of those who never made it home. Indigenous communities are still facing lasting impacts of traumatic experiences in the residential school system.
“Systemic racism is still prevalent in many parts of our society. Indigenous mothers are still being separated from their children in B.C.’s apprehension system. Despite the discontinuation of birth alerts, these deeply damaging actions are still taking place on behalf of the government.
“We worked with the B.C. NDP to pass the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, reaffirming Indigenous rights and building a pathway to meaningful collaboration and reconciliation. I reaffirm my commitment to implement that plan. As B.C.Greens leader, I will continue to push for meaningful reconciliation and strong relationships with Indigenous communities in B.C.”
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