The District of Sooke gratefully acknowledges the opportunity to live, work and recreate on the traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke and Scia’new Nations. Central to Sooke’s history, we recognize the ongoing presence, influence and rights of these Nations’ within the community.
Through the words of T’Sou-ke Nation Chief, Gordon Planes, we give pause to the concept of home.
“Home is not limited to the house. It encompasses one’s entire traditional territory,” said T’Sou-ke Nation Chief, Gordon Planes. “Recognizing the natural environment, including where our food and water comes from, where ceremony takes place, the spaces where children play and where ancestors lay to rest, home is so much more than one’s house.”
On September 30th, we invite you to reflect on your connection to the territory and this new perspective of home.
We also invite you to take a moment to acknowledge the history and legacy of Canada’s residential school system and consider what Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future means to you.
The summary of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report can be found here.
You may read the full 94 Calls to Action here: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Community Gathering
Come together at the Sooke Library on Friday, September 30th, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for an event hosted by Sooke 4 Truth and Reconciliation. Monique Pat, a member of the T’Sou-Ke First Nation, will emcee the event with T’Sou-ke First Nation Elder, Shirley Alphonse, giving the blessing to begin the ceremony.
Flags at Half Mast
At the request of local Indigenous leaders, flags will be flown at half-mast on September 30th across Greater Victoria municipalities.
Orange Flags to Be Flown in Town Centre Roundabout
Orange has become a symbol of truth and reconciliation after Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 to honour “Phyillis’ story”, whose new orange shirt was taken on her first day at residential school when she was just six years old.
Orange flags will be flown in the roundabout on September 30th to continue to share Phyllis’ story.Learn more:
- Indigenous Housing Solutions Lab
- OrgangeShirtDay.org
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Government of Canada, Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Government of Canada, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada
Related:
- Greater Victoria Municipalities Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 20, 2022
- Stronger Together: T’Souk-e Nation and District of Sooke Joint Statement issued June 28, 2021
As we recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please be advised that the District of Sooke municipal hall will be closed. Essential services remain in operation during the office closure.