September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to remember the missing Indigenous children and survivors across Canada who were taken from their families and forced to attend residential schools. It is a day to honour survivors, as well as their families and communities, and acknowledge the deep-rooted trauma and systemic violence that’s been caused by colonialism, residential schools, and ongoing anti-Indigenous racism. But the work of truth and reconciliation is not limited to a single date on the calendar each year.
True reconciliation requires continuous action and accountability. PSAC BC is dedicated to this work and recognizes our shared responsibility to educate ourselves about the past, to fight ongoing injustices against Indigenous Peoples, and to take meaningful action to foster an environment of respect, understanding and healing. In the lead up to this year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an important event took place at the PSAC Vancouver Regional Office.
As part of the union’s commitment to walking a path of truth and reconciliation, PSAC Regional Offices across the organization have been commissioning Indigenous artists to create pieces for each respective office. This work has been part of intentional action to honour the traditional territories on which each office is located and to forge deeper connections with Indigenous Peoples.
PSAC BC has been working with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Knowledge Keeper Debra Sparrow on a weaving for the Vancouver Regional Office. In addition to being a highly accomplished weaver and Knowledge Keeper from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Nation, Debra Sparrow has a well-established relationship with PSAC BC members and staff. For many years, Sparrow has been a guiding presence at PSAC BC events. Each time Debra has attended PSAC BC events, she has gifted members and staff xʷməθkʷəy̓əm teachings that reinforce our commitments to honour truth, advance justice and strengthen our shared path forward.
On Monday, September 29 PSAC BC staff from the Vancouver Regional Office and REVP BC Office came together to unveil Debra’s weaving.
The event began with a territorial acknowledgment and recognition of the project’s journey, from idea that was initially brought forward by staff to commission artwork for each office to honours to Indigenous territories across Turtle Island where we live and work as members and members and staff of a social justice union to finally having this particular piece unveiled for the Vancouver Regional Office.
REVP Jamey Mills offered remarks on behalf of PSAC BC, recognizing Debra’s on longstanding contributions to PSAC BC through her teachings and artistry. He spoke to the weaving’s dual meaning, as a work of art and a teaching, symbolizing strength, resilience, and the weaving together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on a shared path of reconciliation. Jamey also acknowledged the need to confront colonial history and ongoing systemic racism while affirming PSAC BC’s commitment to action, just and accountability.
“Reconciliation is not simply about closing a chapter in Canada’s past. It’s about opening new, healing pathways that are grounded in truth, justice and accountability. Reconciliation requires us to act consistently, to listen deeply, and to walk equally alongside Indigenous communities. To work toward positive change.” REVP Jamey Mills
Debra then spoke about the intentions woven into the piece, inspired by her connection with staff and members. She explained that the blue fibres reflect both the colours of the Region and the sense of cheer and openness of a blue sky. She also shared a reflection from her daughter who noticed a shape near the top of the weaving that resembled strands of DNA. “Perhaps they are,” Debra replied, suggesting that they may represent the deep, interwoven connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and our shared history.
Debra then spoke about the vital work of reconciliation and the hard-to-define feeling she carries as the country continues to face the legacy of residential schools and the intergenerational trauma they inflicted upon Indigenous Peoples. It’s a feeling that holds both pain and hope.
Debra offered attendees a teaching passed down from her grandfather to reflect upon: “Know who you are and know where you come from.”
Debra explained that this teaching is a way of breaking free from the grip of residential school system and its enduring impacts. When you are firmly grounded in who you are and where you come from, the darkness of colonial attempts to erase your identity cannot bind you. The system sought to strip away language, culture and belonging but truth of self is the light that loosens its hold.
Only through that knowing can one being to release the weight of the residential schools, burdens that followed children long after the left schools, if they ever came home. This work is not easy, and it is not only for Indigenous Peoples. The awareness of self, and the courage to hold fast to that truth and our history, guides all of us forward on a shared path toward a more just future.