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.