Statement against residential-school denialism
Anti-Indigenous racism has no place in ɁamakɁis Ktunaxa—or in the B.C. Legislature
ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa: The Governments of the Ktunaxa Nation denounce the actions of B.C. MLA Dallas Brodie that convey denialism of atrocities committed during the residential school era and call for her resignation from the B.C. Legislature.
“We condemn residential school denialism and the divisive hateful statements made by MLA Dallas Brodie,” said ʔaq̓am nasuʔkin Cheryl Casimer. “Brodie is not welcome in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa, specifically in Yaqan Nuʔkiy where she is scheduled to host a town hall. We call upon our allies to join us in stopping this nonsense from taking place. It’s harmful, disrespectful and unacceptable.”
The Ktunaxa Peoples have experienced the loss, pain and suffering caused by residential school policies and personnel. Ms. Brodie’s rhetoric and media grandstanding perpetuate the pain and suffering of families still mourning the loss of children who were forcibly removed and did not return home from residential school.
Ktunaxa First Nations’ leaders recognize when words and claims are intended to cause harm, to further divide British Columbians, and to frame our history and inherent rights in a way that promotes discrimination.
Like other First Nations across B.C., Ktunaxa First Nations have worked for decades to build relationships with our neighbours and government partners, to benefit everyone.
Anti-Indigenous racism and residential school denialism have no place in ɁamakɁis Ktunaxa.
