September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Walk On, Victoria joins others across the country in taking the opportunity to learn and reflect on how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action can be acted on in their own lives.
When you go for your next walk, we encourage you to think about the Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories you are on. You can use interactive maps like Native Land and First Peoples’ Map of B.C. to find this information. After situating yourself, do your research to learn about those Indigenous peoples (there is a wealth of information on the internet), their culture, language, traditions, and political structures.
You may want to do a territorial acknowledgement the next time you go for a walk, whether it is out loud to your walking buddies or as a silent reflection. As you walk, consider how Indigenous peoples might have used this area prior to colonization.
One walk we suggest is around the Inner Harbour area of Victoria, which is the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. Around this area, you will find the Signs of lək̓ʷəŋən, which consists of seven unique site markers that designate culturally significant sites to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Created in 2008, these markers are bronze castings of original cedar carvings that were conceptualized and carved by Coast Salish artist and master carver, Butch Dick with his son Clarence Dick Jr. The location and description of these markers can be found here:
https://www.songheesnation.ca/community/l-k-ng-n-traditional-territory
The First Peoples’ Map of B.C. also has a section for arts and heritage, including points of interests and Indigenous art with their locations shown on a map. This may be a useful tool to plan your own walk, in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Mental Health Supports
Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.