For centuries, the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation has been forced to adapt and evolve as settlers have seen us displaced from our home and prohibited from our food sources, our history and our resources.
Urban development, isolation, climate change and changing waterways have threatened access, livability and the safety of our community.
For too long our community has been advocating, requesting collaboration and inviting understanding.
For many years doors were slammed, and we weren’t heard.
Decades ago, there were conversations and attempts at understanding our knowledge and our lived experiences, but little action demonstrated the reconciliation we were promised.
In recent years, we have seen recognition from government leaders of the hardships and grievances our community has faced.
We have begun to acknowledge the truth and to take action together.
Understanding that leads to action is the only demonstration of true reconciliation.
With the renaming of ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park, formerly known as Colony Farm Regional Park and the new kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Sockeye Hatchery, we see the actions of reconciliation.
The Joint Flood Mitigation Project, announced in August, is the first time we have collaboratively pursued project funding with the City of Coquitlam, federal and provincial governments.
The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm community sees this as an act of both truth and reconciliation as current local government leaders acknowledge the wrongdoing of past governments.
In addition to protecting the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation lands, dike improvements will strengthen the relationships with the City of Coquitlam, fostering slakəyánc community resilience and benefitting all of us who call this area home.
We will never forget members of our community that fought so hard to get us where we are today.
We need truth to heal, and the healing journey is slow.
But for the first time in history, the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation has felt our challenges have been heard and acknowledged.
With the flood mitigation project, we are finally doing it right, working together to protect land we share.
Today we mourn the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors who try to heal. Only when we recognize these truths and others, can we take steps towards reconciliation.
As our Elders ensure knowledge, wisdom and determination is shared with younger members of our nation, we do the same and learn from the past.
What is important is what is happening now and how we move forward.
Together, we are building a safer and more resilient future for everyone. Nautsa'mawt: One heart, one mind.
George Chaffee is a councillor with kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation.
