The City of Campbell River has a responsibility to foster meaningful relationships with the First Nations whose lands we share. However, it has become increasingly clear that the current approach to reconciliation is insufficient. The lack of effective action and communication is hindering progress and leaving critical initiatives unsupported.

I would like to highlight two recent examples of this failure:

1. Hesitation to Support the Re-Establishment of Likʷala Place Names:

The City’s reluctance to support the restoration of three Likʷala place names within Campbell River is deeply concerning. In particular, Councillor Ben Lanyon's comments regarding the re-establishment of place names are worrisome. He stated that restoring the place names would be "moving out of step with the state of public opinion," and that "the pace of reconciliation is debatable" and “may do more harm if accomplished too quickly” (Zeidler, 2024). He went on to say that "there is a rising level of opposition to these measures," and suggested that the process needed to be slowed down (Zeidler, 2024).

What is most disheartening, however, is Councillor Lanyon’s remark that the Likʷala name for Discovery Passage is difficult to pronounce. That name represents my People, the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ. I am Liǧʷiłdaxʷ, and by making that statement, Councillor Lanyon perpetuates cultural and colonial genocide and cultural erasure. The difficulty of pronouncing our names should not be an excuse for dismissing our culture.

Although the City has now provided a letter of support, they only did so after being pressured into it.

2. The Ongoing Destruction of Red Dresses:

Another example of the City’s failure to support Indigenous communities is the ongoing removal and destruction of red dresses, a powerful symbol of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people, along Highway 19 between Courtenay and Campbell River. Since February of this year, we have reached out to Mayor Kermit Dahl on multiple occasions, urging him to make a public statement condemning this discriminatory behavior. Eight more dresses were destroyed the night of Thursday, November 21. This lack of response from the Mayor is yet another example of cultural and colonial violence perpetuated by the City’s leadership. 

These actions have left many in our community feeling unheard, disrespected, and unsupported. They underscore the urgent need for the City Council to better understand the true meaning of Truth and Reconciliation. This petition is intended to hold the City accountable and ensure that real progress is made in reconciliation efforts.

The City's Strategic Plan:

In the City of Campbell River’s 2023-2026 strategic plan, on page 10, it states: “Indigenous Relationships, Objective: Continue to strengthen relationships and take steps on the City’s path towards reconciliation through actively engaging with the First Nation neighbors to Campbell River” (City of Campbell River, 2023). Mayor Dahl describes this plan as a “road map that will help realize our vision for the future of Campbell River” and states it “will drive our decision-making and provide direction for City staff” (City of Campbell River, n.d.).

Mayor Dahl, with all due respect, it is clear that the City has lost its way. It has demonstrated a focus on Indigenous washing, rather than truth or reconciliation.

A Call for Action:

I call on the City of Campbell River to establish a comprehensive plan for Truth and Reconciliation, starting with the creation of a trauma informed and anti-racist Reconciliation Representative position within City Council. This role would:

1. Act as a bridge between the City and local Indigenous First Nations, fostering trust, understanding, and collaboration.
2. Lead initiatives that promote reconciliation, education, and awareness within the broader community.
3. Ensure Indigenous voices are heard and respected in City planning and decision-making.
4. Develop and implement long-term strategies for building equitable and sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities.
5. Hold the City of Campbell River Mayor and Council accountable.

Reconciliation requires more than just acknowledgment; it requires intentional action to build partnerships and address historical injustices. By appointing a Reconciliation Representative, the City of Campbell River would demonstrate its commitment to progress, equality, and a shared future with Indigenous communities.

I also call upon the City of Campbell River’s Mayor and Council to be educated on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, as well as the Calls for Justice from Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Perhaps if Council were educated on these matters, Councillor Ben Lanyon would not have made comments which perpetuate colonial genocide, as well as support cultural erasure.  

Demand Action:

It is time for our leaders to show that they truly care about reconciliation. We need action that reflects the values of our community. I urge you to SIGN & SHARE this petition and demand that the City of Campbell River prioritize Truth and Reconciliation by creating a dedicated position to support this essential work. 

Gilakas'la allies

ALL MY RELATIONS

Jamie Bryant
jamiebryant1@uvic.ca
250.895.0043

References:

City of Campbell River. (n.d.). https://www.campbellriver.ca/your-city-hall/city-council/council's-strategic-plan 

City of Campbell River. (2024). https://issuu.com/cityofcampbellriver?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=www.campbellriver.ca 

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. (2019). https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Calls_for_Justice.pdf 

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. (2015). https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf 

Pronunciations:
Liǧʷiłdaxʷ - Lee-gweeth-dohw
Discovery Passage - Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Passage (pronounced Lee-gweeth-dohw) 
Quinsam River - Kʷənsəm (pronounced Quinsam)
Tyee Spit - ʔuxstalis (pronounced Oox-sta-lease)