In a day full of Indigenous celebration in Lake Country, Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu stepped up against recent opposition to Truth and Reconciliation.
Sandhu and Lake Country Mayor Blair Ireland were in attendance at the 28th Winter Family Gathering Traditional Pow Wow, presented by the Lake Country Native Association at the Winfield Community Hall on Saturday, Nov. 22.
When Sandhu addressed the audience of a few hundred people, she, without naming her but insinuating her, called out Kelowna-Lake Country-Vernon MLA Tara Armstrong over recent comments Armstrong and the One B.C. Party made in the Legislature, trying to bring an end to National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
"The comments inflicted hurt, denied lived experiences, and ignored the inter-generation impacts Indigenous peoples continue to carry," said Sandhu. "Let me say this as clearly and without any hesitation, and the reason I'm mentioning this is because one of the sitting MLAs for this riding also supports those kind of narratives... those comments do not reflect who we are as British Columbians, each one of you is saying that loud and clear by being here. They do not reflect the values of our government."
On Nov. 20, the One B.C. Party, led by Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie, which includes Armstrong, attempted to turn a bill to remove Truth and Reconciliation Day as a holiday. The bill was quickly voted down after it was introduced, 86 to three.
"We will always stand up with all people of this province and we will honour Indigenous people, uphold truth, and continue to work towards reconciliation," said Sandhu at Saturday's event. "... a strong country is not built by erasing or denying history."
Thursday's discussion in the Legislative Assembly became heated, with B.C. Premier David Eby saying Brodie and Armstrong should be recalled, which Armstrong posted on social media.
The One B.C. Party has started a petition in another attempt to end Truth and Reconcilation Day.
Earlier this month, on Nov. 5, Syilx Okanagan chiefs called out for the resignation of Brodie.
Black Press Media has reached out to Armstrong for comment.