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By Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: As we move forward, we must not forget

Jun 17, 2021 | 11:14 AM

THE SPRING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE ends this week, but one thing that must not end is our resolve to achieve true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.

This is indeed one of my concerns as MLAs leave the debate floor and head back to their home ridings just weeks after the tragic and heartbreaking discovery of 215 lost children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School site.

Over the last couple of weeks, members from all parties have risen in the chamber to share their sorrow and grief, and in some cases their personal experiences – and they have also expressed a strong willingness to listen to what Indigenous people have to say, and take their direction on the path forward to reconciliation.

It’s my hope that this issue won’t fall to the backburner as we all return to our communities and reunite with the people and events we have missed over the past year and a half — because this week also brought the official news that COVID-related restrictions will be further eased, thanks to the pace of vaccinations and drop in case counts in this province.

This was a celebratory moment for British Columbians. It’s been incredibly hard to be separated from our loved ones; to miss birthday parties and graduation ceremonies, to postpone weddings and skip out on vacations. Our businesses have also been hurting, and some had to shut their doors permanently.

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I know most people will be rushing to make travel plans, gather with friends and support our businesses to a greater degree now that we’re able. I intend to share in this excitement and happiness myself. But as we move forward in our quest to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, we must not lose sight of the monumental task of Indigenous reconciliation that we have committed to.

One suggestion our BC Liberal caucus has made to the premier is for him to convene the Select Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs. This is a mechanism that already exists, that doesn’t require any work to set up. It’s a tangible way to bring the three parties together to work together on this goal, in an open and transparent manner, guided by Indigenous voices and perspectives which must be heard and understood.

Parliamentary committees usually run throughout most of the summer — and activating this one would be a concrete first step the government could take to keep this important conversation going. It’s my hope the premier will recognize this opportunity and act on it.

As we all take steps to return to ‘life as usual’ — let’s not forget the children who never got the chance to return to the families that missed them and loved them.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.