Syilx Okanagan Nation opposes One B.C. town hall in Kelowna
The Okanagan Nation Alliance called the party's statements about residential schools 'denial' causing 'significant harm' to survivors. The event is set for Sunday, June 14.
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The Syilx Okanagan Nation is strongly opposing a town hall planned by One B.C. party leader Dallas Brodie at Kelowna's Parkinson Recreation Centre on Sunday, June 14, citing the MLA's previous statements minimizing evidence of children's graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
The Okanagan Nation Alliance released a statement Friday, June 12 saying Brodie's "denialism has caused significant harm to Survivors, Elders, families, and Indigenous communities across British Columbia." The alliance also noted the town hall is scheduled for the same day as the final day of the 4th Annual Komasket Powwow, held by the Okanagan Indian Band.
Brodie has drawn controversy for raising doubts about residential school evidence, proposing to ban land acknowledgements, restricting pride flags, and pushing to repeal the B.C. Human Rights Code.
When asked to comment, the City of Kelowna said it "rents space to a wide range of groups across the community" and that "approval of a rental does not constitute an endorsement." The Okanagan Nation Alliance responded that "statements that diminish, deny, or distort the lived experiences of Survivors are not welcome on Syilx Okanagan Territory."
The Kelowna Pride Society is planning to peacefully protest the event on Sunday.