Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Victoria, BC – On Monday, September 30, VicPD will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. At VicPD, we acknowledge the past and current role of police in enforcing colonial rule over Indigenous people and the continued impact this has on our relationship with Indigenous people in Canada. We are continually improving, building, and fostering our relationships with Indigenous people.
“Truth and reconciliation is very important to us, not just on this day, but every day. At VicPD we look at ways to strengthen and build positive relationships and special bonds as a commitment to reconciliation,” said Chief Del Manak. “We work with local Indigenous community members to ensure that our relationships are respectful and trustworthy. VicPD officers are proudly wearing orange Victoria Police patches and pins on their uniform as an acknowledgement of the truths of this day, and our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.”
A VicPD Officer Wearing an Orange Patch for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Pulling Together: A Paddle Journey Towards Reconciliation
As part of building relationships, VicPD has also been a proud participant in the Pulling Together Canoe Journey, this year participating with our own canoe for the first time.
The VicPD Canoe was generously donated by Focus Equities and blessed by Lekwungen Elders. It is a vessel for community and relationship building and an important part of VicPD’s ongoing work to deepen Indigenous connections and navigate the path of reconciliation.
The Pulling Together Canoe Journey is a multi-day voyage that brings together Indigenous People, public service agencies and youth on a cultural canoe excursion across the province. Pulling Together’s vision is to lead the way in the elimination of prejudice and stereotypes by recognizing the past and pulling together towards a better future. They are committed to bringing people together and fostering cultural exchange through outdoor activities.
This year’s event began on July 11 at Porteau Cove Provincial Park and started with a canoe awakening ceremony for all the new canoes joining the journey.
Following the ceremony, more than three hundred people, including the VicPD team of officers, civilian staff, volunteers, a knowledge keeper and youth from the Ocean Spirit canoe family set out on a journey through Squamish territory.
They paddled for several hours, similar to what Indigenous peoples did for generations in their hand-crafted canoes.
The teams weathered challenges, but it was under those conditions that they grew and worked together to reach a goal. With each glide through the waters, they connected to nature and formed lifetime friendships.
At the end of the day, the teams participated in a protocol ceremony upon reaching land. This event involved seeking permission to enter local Squamish territory, allowing the canoes and paddlers to rest for the night.
“Every year I come on this journey, and I learn culture and develop positive relationships with Indigenous Community. It’s just been such a positive experience for me, it helps me in my everyday policing having a cultural awareness and understanding of the past and challenges that were faced. I really believe it makes me a better police officer in our community,” said Constable Jasmine Bader.
Participants say Pulling Together was a magical experience. Everyone shared stories of the spirit of the land and of the people who call Canada home. Often the days were filled with laughter in the air as they all paddled together.
“The passion and the sharing I saw, I’ve never seen anywhere else; anyone who wants to experience culture this is the opportunity,” said Constable Stephen Pannekoek. “I’ve loved having youth in our Indigenous canoe, I’ve loved having elders in our canoe, we have that desire to learn and understand their culture and to share it.”
On July 14, the Pulling Together journey wrapped up for the year. New perspectives about respecting the land and water, and a better understanding of the connections to our ancestors, symbolized unity, community, and the sacred bond between the Indigenous peoples and their land.
“We can’t learn this stuff from reading books. You need to experience it to really get an understanding of our past and what needs to happen in the future,” said Constable Jasmine Bader.
In the end, Pulling Together became a journey to break down barriers and celebrate the commitment we all have to true understanding and reconciliation.
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