Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, marked the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada.
In Kelowna, the Okanagan Heritage Museum held an open house for the public to learn more about the statutory holiday and its calls to action.
“As an organization, made up mostly of settlers, we recognize that every day is an opportunity to learn and grow, not just as educators and museum workers ourselves, but also for our visitors,” said Jillian Povarchook, executive director.
“So today is an opportunity for folks to learn a little bit more about the 94 calls to action that were published in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and what they can do in their daily lives to kind of enact those calls to action.”
Mixed in with the usual displays and information boards around the museum were several stations of various themes, including a booth to learn about nsyilxcən, the language spoken by the syilx people.
There were also stations to learn about treaties, reading materials, and the syilx culture through a game of busting myths.
“As settlers on this land, it's our obligation to be good neighbours and to walk softly on the land of our host nation,” Povarchook claimed.
“This is just a way that we can help other people live their life in the same way, learn some things that they maybe didn't know, that then helped them move forward in a good way.”
While individuals and families made their way around the museum, eventually, some would arrive at the corner of the museum that houses the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.
In the middle of the displays filled with medals and souvenirs was a table with small paper orange shirts and pledges that people could write messages on and then hang.
“My favourite thing today, and actually a lot of days working in the museum, is seeing children lead their caregivers through the museum,” Povarchook added.
“Oftentimes, we see children acting as teachers and adults acting not only as learners but willing learners, who are open to changing their points of view and listening to their children, which I think is one of the best ways that we can move forward.”
Entrance to today's event was by donation and all collected funds will be given to the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.
