Kwikwetlem Elder Shares His Thoughts on Reconciliation

This story makes a meaningful impact on the Tri-Cities community in several ways:

1. Amplifying Indigenous Voices

By sharing Stephen Armstrong’s teachings and insights, the story amplifies the voice of a Kwikwetlem First Nation Elder in a region where Indigenous history is often underrepresented. His message that “an Elder has nothing to do with age” challenges stereotypes and broadens the community’s understanding of cultural roles and traditions.

2. Encouraging Relationship-Building

Stephen emphasizes that reconciliation begins with building relationships, not just symbolic gestures. This message directly calls on local leaders, residents, and organizations in the Tri-Cities to move from acknowledgment to meaningful action, by participating in events, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and fostering genuine partnerships.

3. Accountability for Leaders

The story highlights the gap between words and actions, particularly when government officials take time off on Truth and Reconciliation Day without attending local events. For the Tri-Cities community, this is a reminder to hold elected representatives accountable and to push for visible, active engagement in reconciliation efforts.

4. Promoting Cultural Awareness

Stephen’s ongoing work delivering cultural sensitivity training has ripple effects locally. By adding a “cultural lens” to organizational policies and practices, he equips governments, schools, nonprofits, and businesses in the Tri-Cities to make decisions that are more inclusive, respectful, and informed by Indigenous perspectives.

5. Inspiring Community Healing

His hope for municipalities to collaborate with Kwikwetlem First Nation on Indigenous-led events and support for Indigenous artists can help foster healing and pride. For Tri-Cities residents, these initiatives create opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate Indigenous culture in ways that strengthen community identity.

6. Reinforcing the Urgency of Reconciliation

By pointing out that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action have stalled, Stephen underscores the urgency of moving forward. Locally, this story pushes the community to reflect on what concrete steps can be taken—at schools, city halls, and community organizations—to ensure reconciliation does not become stagnant.

👉 In essence, the story doesn’t just inform—it calls the Tri-Cities community to action. It challenges residents, leaders, and organizations to move from acknowledgment to authentic relationship-building, ensuring that reconciliation is lived daily rather than observed only once a year.

Stephen Armstrong, an Elder with Kwikwetlem First Nation, shares his thoughts and insights on the path forward through Reconciliation. Story by LJI reporter, Nancy Furness. Stephen actively shares his knowledge by delivering cultural sensitivity and cultural awareness training to governments, corporations, newcomers to Canada, and not-for-profit organizations in a non-judgmental way. Stephen adds a ‘cultural lens’ to company’s policies and procedures. He explains, “An Elder has nothing to do with age”. He says he was recognized as an Elder because he shared teachings, including the effects of colonialism on Kwikwetlem First Nation, the same way the other Elders were sharing the teachings. Stephen says, “Before reconciliation can take place, you need to build relationships.” He says while a lot of government officials have acknowledged the trauma inflicted on indigenous peoples by colonialism, a lot of them have not yet done so. He further explains, many elected representatives take a holiday on National Truth and Reconciliation Day without even participating in local Reconciliation events, and that participating in Reconciliation events can be an important first step. As far as Stephen’s personal hopes, he says, “I have hopes that we can finally, as negotiations are going on among municipal leaders and Nation leaders – I’m hoping that a healing can begin and that working relationships can now move forward.” He also hopes to see municipalities collaborate with Kwikwetlam First Nation to host indigenous-led events and to support indigenous artists. Stephen feels the 94 Calls to Action put forward a decade ago by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada have all stalled and decisions being made by Provincial and Federal governments “are starting to feel like a slap in the face to our Elders.” “We have such a high desire from our community members to want to regain the knowledge that they originally thought were lost” according to Stephen. He continues by saying that many escaped from Kwikwetlem territory – they went up in the mountains and out in the valley – where the teachings were retained and continue to be passed down. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation takes place on September 30th and it serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing impacts of residential schools and the need to honour survivors, families, and communities. It calls us to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward healing and justice.