The Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations have scheduled a Canoe Protocol in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, followed by prayers and a drum circle at the BC Legislature on Tuesday to honour all Indigenous children from residential schools.
The memorial is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Inner Harbour and will last into the afternoon.
The Canoe Protocol and drum circle are being held to honour the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land as well as all other children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families.
“This is our time to honour the 215 children and to stand with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people,” said Songhees Chief Ron Sam. “We support their call for Governments to increase support for pathways for healing.”
The memorial is synced up with the re-raising of the flags at the B.C. Legislature.
The flags have been flying half-mast at Victoria City Hall and the BC Legislature for 215 hours, which is symbolic of one hour representing each child buried in Kamloops.
“Joining our procession will be representation from other Nations from across Vancouver Island and we’ll all be wearing orange shirts,” says Organizer Cecelia Dick. “Gathering together for song and prayer is our way of healing. Although some invited MLAs and City Councillors will attend, they will join us only to witness and learn.
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