Dear editor,

The Columbia Valley Pioneer has done a good job recently to highlight the stories and culture of the Indigenous Peoples of our valley. As settlers on the traditional shared territory of the Shuswap and Akisqnuk Peoples and the chosen home of the Metis, we have learned from, and benefited greatly from, the stories you have shared. These include detailed features on Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous education, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, systemic racism, Ktunaxa Legacy Publications, salmon restoration efforts in the Upper Columbia Valley, various workshops and Indigenous events, inspiring students and highlighting the importance of the Every Child Matters campaign.

There is so much more we can all learn and this has been a wonderful start, but must not end here. To truly be an inclusive society, we must share the stories of all who live in our communities and especially, its First Peoples.

 

We encourage the Columbia Valley Pioneer to continue with Indigenous content as we know there is so much more to learn.

Doug Charlton and Alison Bell,

Invermere.