City of Kelowna is not doing enough to advance actions toward Truth and Reconciliation

Photo: City of Kelowna

Progress has been made, but more needs to be done.

That's the conclusion City of Kelowna staff reached during a comprehensive review of actions taken by the city to advance calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 2015 report.

City council asked for the review days after the discovery of 215 children in unmarked burial sites at a former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Staff say some initiatives from the TRC calls to action have been implemented or are underway, but acknowledge "current work falls short of what we can, and should be doing as a city."

The Imagine Kelowna vision which is helping guide the city's 2040 Official Community Plan suggests the city's goal is to engage with the Okanagan's past by honouring our rich heritage while "following the lead of our local Indigenous communities towards a path of reconciliation."

In 2017 and 2018, educational workshops were developed based on traditional En'owkinwixw learning circles in collaboration with Syilx/Okanagan educators.

About 70 staff members attended those workshops.

"In addition, resources have been made available for all city staff on territorial acknowledgements, providing information on the Syilx traditional territories and member First Nations bands, as well as a reference to other policy initiatives and programs that other municipalities are advancing to improve their Indigenous relationships," the report states.

"The emphasis since the workshops has been on self-study and personal responsibility for learning the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ Calls to Action.

"However, staff feel there is a need and an opportunity to move the city beyond self-directed learning at the employee level to building broader organizational competency in Indigenous relations and cultural awareness."

Staff also suggest taking part in all regional efforts toward call to action implementation with Westbank First Nations and Okanagan Indian Band.

"While it is recognized that each municipality may have individual opportunities to advance their own initiatives, relationships, and education, there may be some benefits to regional conversations with, other local governments, the health authority, post-secondary institutions, and industry."