October 1, 2025 • 28 mins
On the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, hundreds walked along fifth street in downtown Courtenay before gathering in Lewis Park. Midcoast Morning spoke with some of those present about the meaning of the day.
Podcast Photo: Spirit Walk attendees walk to Lewis Park in Courtenay. Photo by Joe Pugh.
Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning
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Joe Pugh (00:21):
Hello, and welcome to Midcoast Morning. I'm Joe Pugh.
On the fifth annual National Dayfor Truth and Reconciliation,
hundreds gathered for a spiritwalk in the Comox Valley.
Marchers headed down FifthStreet in Courtenay, ending at
Lewis Park. Today on theprogram, we'll be bringing you
(00:41):
reflections from some of thosepresent about the National Day
for Truth and Reconciliation.
First observed as a federalstatutory holiday in 2021, the
day honors survivors ofresidential schools and the
children who never returned homefrom them, as well as family
members and communities. Itcoincides with Orange Shirt Day,
(01:06):
a tradition started by PhyllisWebstad in 2013. I attended the
event in Courtney where I spokewith some of the organizers.
Chrys Sample (01:17):
My name is Chrys Sample. I'm with the Mikisu Meki
Association. I'm one of theorganizers or coordinators of
the spirit walk today.
Joe Pugh (01:25):
And this year, you were telling me that you took on
sort of for the first time thelead organizer role. Can you
tell me what that has been like?
Chrys Sample (01:34):
Well, last year, the office coordinator had
everything ready, and then shewent to Spain. And so she went a
few days before the spirit walk,so I kind of stepped in and on
this day of the spirit walk. Andthen this year, she took a new
job. And so Colleen Devlin andHeather Greeley and Kim Dirksen
and I formed a little committee,we've done this together. And
(01:58):
since they work, Colleen and Idid a lot of the work.
And so it's been what I what Iwanna take away from this or
what I am taking away from thisexperience is how fabulous it's
been and how kind people havebeen to us. The city of
Courtney, the operations part ofthe city of Courtney, the
(02:19):
Downtown Business Association.Oh, man. So many people. And we
partnered.
We culturally partnered, andhere we are.
Joe Pugh (02:28):
Can you give me an idea of what the the concept
behind the Spirit Walk is?
Chrys Sample (02:33):
Okay. So today is National Truth and
Reconciliation Day. September 30is that day. And it's a day
where we recognize and honor thesurvivors and families of people
who were in residential schoolsystems. And so this year, we
decided to do thingsdifferently.
And instead of walking in smallgroups, we met at Harmston Park
(02:56):
and we walked all together. Andthe city of Courtenay kindly let
us get the road closed for theday, and so we all walked
together. And it felt like areally good thing to be together
with our orange shirts on andall of us walking together, a
community walking shoulder toshoulder, showing that we
(03:16):
support each other, and wesupport everyone who's been
through the residential schoolsystems or their families.
Joe Pugh (03:23):
This is now the fifth National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation. What does thisday come to mean maybe to you?
How do you think about it?
Chrys Sample (03:32):
Well, I I don't know if it's the fifth the fifth
fifth Truth and ReconciliationDay, but it's our fifth day of
having a spirit walk to honorthat. And to me, truth and
reconciliation means one of thethings it means how we can work
together as communities, livetogether as communities. And for
(03:56):
for myself, I see it as a day ofof education and educating
people on who we are, what wedo, how we got to be here, and
how we can live together andwork together.
Joe Pugh (04:08):
On that education point, what do you feel are some
of the the main things you'dlike there to be maybe more
awareness of or when we talkabout education the National Day
for Truth and ReconciliationDay, what do you think are some
of the most important points?
Chrys Sample (04:24):
Let's see. Well, I I think that we as I'm going to
talk about the Metis peoplebecause that's who I am. I I
think it's important that we goto schools and and teach
students. I think it's importantthat we educate our own
community on our language, ourculture, our family ways, I
(04:47):
think that's really important.And for other people who are not
indigenous, I I think it's anopportunity for them to learn
about indigenous people and toknow that there are three
distinct cultures, FirstNations, Metis, Inuit, and those
are things I think that areimportant.
Joe Pugh (05:07):
So the walk has already happened as we're
sitting here. We're we'retalking. We're listening to some
music. There's a really biglineup for a bannock tent over
there. How are you feelinghaving kind of watched the big
part unfold?
Chrys Sample (05:21):
Well, the weather. First of all, we've been every
day, I checked the weather. Itlooked like it was going to be
raining. Yesterday, it said itwas gonna rain 95%. The chance
of rain was 95%, but it didrain, but not very much.
And so really thankful for that.And as the we were at Harmston
Park, as people were gathering,I felt kind of a swell in my
(05:44):
heart that so many people comeand support us and are
interested in learning andinterested in taking part in
truth and truth andreconciliation, and it gives us
hope.
Joe Pugh (05:57):
Chris Sample was one of the organizers of a spirit
walk in the Comox Valley to markthe national day for truth and
reconciliation. Helping outbehind the scenes on Tuesday was
Courtney Mayor Bob Wells. MayorBob Wells, I understand you were
the sound guy for today. Can youtell me how that came about?
Mayor Bob Wells (06:18):
Well, for the last, twenty two years that I've
lived here in the Comox Valley,my background is fine arts
theater, in particular finearts. I used to teach lighting
and sound at UVic. And so I'vegot sound equipment. I've since
sold my technology company quitea few years ago now. But
whenever there's an event likethe spirit walk or I do things
(06:44):
for Yana or Child DevelopmentSociety, anywhere I can come in
and help out.
I livestream events as well. Sothat my son was here. Connor was
helping do the live stream forthis event as well. So those who
can't make it can still watch itfrom home. So yeah, it's just
our way to give back to thecommunity.
Joe Pugh (07:02):
Can you tell me a little bit about the the cities
and making this happen today? Sobig chunk of Fifth Street right
downtown Courtney was closedoff. Did it take to make this
come together on the city's end?
Mayor Bob Wells (07:13):
Well, you know, Chris Semple from the Metis
Society, Mikasa Metis Society,her and I have talked for years.
So, you know, we talked aboutclosing it down. In the past,
we've just walked down thesidewalks, but the idea was this
year to actually close down thestreets. And then we also
(07:35):
donated Lewis Park here. So, youknow, usually, I think it's
about a $3,500 fee for somethinglike this, and we waive that
just as our part as a city towork towards reconciliation.
So, again, I think it's a smalltoken for the city to be able to
extend some of you know, I mean,I I mean, as mayor, I'm just
(07:58):
someone who gives speeches andcuts ribbons and stuff. But but
as a community member to be ableto help them with their sound
system and help livestreamthings that that I would do for
other organizations. But as acity to step in and bring their
weight to an event like this,again, blocking off Fifth
Street. We had I've heardestimates up to 1,500 people
(08:20):
here today. So I mean, that'sdefinitely a huge number of
people and we wanna see thosetypes of numbers coming out year
after year.
That's why, you know, we haveentertainment here. There's t
shirts and I think somebody saidbannock. I don't know. So I
think this is really just, sortof really helping us, go into
(08:42):
the future of making theseevents even bigger. And then as
mayor or as Bob Wells, assomeone who makes speeches,
Joe Pugh (08:49):
it's 2025. It's since 2021, there have been events on
this day for national theNational Day for Truth and
Reconciliation. Yeah. What doesthat day mean to you?
Mayor Bob Wells (09:01):
Well, for me, you know, I I think one of the
things being someone who issomewhat political, and I was
probably even more politicalwhen I was younger. So when I
was 17, back in 1991, I went offto South Africa because of
apartheid. And that and that wassomething that was a a big issue
(09:23):
in in my life. But many yearslater, in 1996, I lived on
reserve up in Port St. James.
And that's when I first foundout about things like
residential schools, which thelast one was closed in 1996. And
that was something that wasnever taught to me in school,
never mentioned once. And that'sjust residential schools. That
(09:45):
doesn't even get into thesystemic racism on, you know,
jobs people could have,businesses they could own based
on the fact of whether they areFirst Nations or not. So to me,
it's about reconciling this,acknowledging it, and and then
doing our best to work withFirst Nations to move forward.
And and that to me is what thisday is about. And I think that
(10:08):
there's always an opportunityfor everybody in whatever in any
walk of life to be able to dowhat they can, for
reconciliation. And and that's,what I hope to do is, and
continue to do as as mayor andas a community, member.
Joe Pugh (10:23):
Mayor Bob Wells, thank you very much for taking the
time.
Mayor Bob Wells (10:26):
My pleasure.
Joe Pugh (10:27):
Courtney mayor Bob Wells. Tuesday at the city's
Lewis Park. As part of an eventto mark the National Day for
Truth and Reconciliation, manylined up for Bannock. After
things had wrapped up, I wasable to speak with the person
providing it.
Pauline (10:47):
I would say, So that means hello and welcome. My name
is Pauline. I make an effort tomake sure that I'm present and
mindful when I'm doing thisevent. Being, a granddaughter of
residential school survivors,both my grandparents went, and I
had a great uncle, JasperMitchell, who didn't get to come
(11:08):
home. So I keep that in mindwhen I'm cooking, remembering my
grandfather, he ran away fromCooper Island, and it took him
three days to come home.
So when I'm making bannock, Imake sure that I'm using that
within my heart. And thenbecause indigenous peoples have
(11:29):
evolved ever since from thebeginning, so I brought baked
bannock with traditionalflavors, herb, chili flake,
pumpkin spice, cranberry ginger.
Joe Pugh (11:41):
Is there anything you're able to share about what
makes bannock bannock?
Pauline (11:45):
I think it's about the heart that you put into it. I'm
not quite sure why it turns outthis way. It's always magical to
me. Right? So traditionally,they would be using a root
called camas.
Right? And it's a very laborintensive item that indigenous
peoples used to farm. So havingflour now, right, and having
(12:06):
everything readily available.And I just have been working on
it since I was 14. I'm rounding50 now, so as many years of
trying trial and errors.
Some work, some don't. So it'sjust feeling what my heart says
when I'm tossing tossingingredients into the bowl.
Joe Pugh (12:24):
There were a lot a lot of people in line for Bannock
today. What was the experiencefor you like serving all those
people?
Pauline (12:33):
Customer service and doing that kind of bartering
trail trade system isindigenous, right? And then
being an indigenous woman, wewere always very good at doing
those trades, right? I justconnect through my culture,
enjoy seeing the delight in thefaces when they eat into it, as
(12:59):
well as seeing return peoplecome. Right? People that I know
from the valley, and thenthey're just eager to say hello
and participate in a wonderfulevent as this is.
Joe Pugh (13:08):
So there was a bit of a a barter system to it today?
Pauline (13:12):
Well, sometimes depending on what's going on, I
toss in a couple extra, right,when you notice someone might
need a little extra. Or if theycan't decide, you know, I'll
just give them an extra one sothat they can try all the
flavors.
Joe Pugh (13:26):
Is there anything you'd be willing to share about
maybe, like, what the dayNational Day for Truth and
Reconciliation means or is allabout to you?
Pauline (13:35):
Yeah. It's about my family. Right? They chose to
live life. If you haven't ornobody has looked into Cooper
Island Residential School, Iencourage you to do so and to
listen to what those childrenhad to endure.
So Cooper Island, 40% of thestudents there for thirty years
(13:59):
didn't make it. So that's fourout of ten kids that wouldn't
come. So if you imagine CooperIsland, a small island off of
Vancouver Island, the treatmentthat they had to endure to risk
their life to swim the StewartChannel, right, and to fight the
Salish Sea waters. Right? Whatdid they have to endure?
(14:20):
Coming to Sal Bannock isnothing. Seeing the lineup of
people smiling and right? Seeingthe people walking down,
entering into Lewis Park,brought tears to my eyes because
my grandparents didn't get tohave that opportunity to see the
change of what we see today.
Joe Pugh (14:41):
Is there anything else you'd like to share with people?
Or is there anything else youthink it's important for people
to know about what went on hereor just the day in general?
Pauline (14:50):
Well, truth and reconciliation. Right? That's
being of a mindset ofdecolonizing your brain And,
decolonizing isn't just a nonindigenous perspective. Right?
Indigenous peoples as well needto break down that mindset of
connecting back to thatindigeneity.
Right? Letting go of thatcapitalist mindset that this is
(15:12):
what we're here for. We're herefor to connecting with people,
building community, making sureas a chieftain does going door
to door, checking on the people,and seeing how they are. Are.
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Joe Pugh (15:38):
Many in the Comox Valley came together to mark the
National Day for Truth andReconciliation with a spirit
walk on Tuesday. Colleen Devlinis a retired teacher and helped
organize the walk. I spoke withher after things had finished up
in Lewis Park.
Collen Devlin (15:58):
Hello. My name is Colleen Devlin. I am Cree and
Metis from Alberta NorthernManitoba.
Joe Pugh (16:04):
And you have just wrapped up what was going on
here in Lewis Park to mark thenational day for truth and
reconciliation. How do you feelit all went?
Collen Devlin (16:14):
I think it went amazingly well. We're always
worried about the weather hereon the coast, always worried
whether people will enjoy andembrace the change of the walk,
and I think they did. We hadabout 1,500 people show up today
on a iffy kind of weather day,so I'm really, really proud of
the valley for showing up.
Joe Pugh (16:33):
Can you tell me to you what is the walk all about?
Collen Devlin (16:37):
To me, the walk is all about people learning
about what happened inresidential schools over the
hundred and fifty years, and notonly learning, but then doing
something about it. So at theend, my my talk to the crowd was
find one act of reconciliationthat you can do. Drop something
off at the food bank, bakecookies for the locals local
(17:00):
soup kitchen, make somedonations for indigenous
projects like the Big FootDonuts bursary to North Island
College. Any little bit helps. Ialso really really believe in
meeting people in the eye asyou're meeting walking down the
street, and recognizing thatthey might have some struggles,
and where they could have comefrom.
(17:21):
Seven generations of harm andhurt and trauma happened to
indigenous people. It's going totake understanding, empathy, and
helping us move forward togetheras Canadians like Murray
Sinclair says, we're walking onthis path towards
reconciliation. The journey islong and hard and tough, it's
gonna take all of us beingtogether.
Joe Pugh (17:41):
There were a number of orange hearts decorating the
area today. You've shared withme that you used to be a teacher
yourself. I'm wondering if youcould tell me a little bit about
that part of things.
Collen Devlin (17:52):
These orange came about. There's a group back east
called the First Nations CaringSociety, and they have a project
called Planting Hearts, PlantingDreams. So this is a riff off of
that, and doing art withchildren is a great way for them
to express themselves, a greatway for adults to move around
between them as they're doingtheir art, so you can hear about
(18:12):
their big feelings and theirthoughts about learning about
residential schools. So it'sit's kind of a therapy, I guess.
So children at a number ofschools in the valley were asked
to do paper hearts and expresswhat their feelings were.
So a lot of the hearts saidthings like, I'm walking for my
grandma, or you're special,you're important because you're
(18:33):
kind, I see you, you matter. Andthey're all very heartfelt,
beautifully decorated hearts.They are throughout Lewis Park,
and they are also up at ourschool board office. There is at
least a thousand heartsdisplayed around the valley, and
Wache Friendship Center also hastheir front garden full of
hearts.
Joe Pugh (18:52):
In 2021, I was in Nanaimo for a ceremony to mark
the National Day for Truth andReconciliation. There have been
ceremonies since that time.We're now now 2025. How do you
think, the day people'sperception of the day has maybe
evolved in the year since?
Collen Devlin (19:13):
Oh, I I see the evolution as being tremendous.
When I retired from fromteaching, I felt like it was
such a great time to beindigenous education because so
many people get it, so manypeople understand, so many
people are willing to start theconversation and ask what's
next, what can we do next. I'veseen this walk grow in numbers
tremendously. As I mentioned,the estimate is about 1,500
(19:36):
people today, and I can see itjust going forward.
Logistically, because we changedparks over the last few years
with construction, I thoughtwe'd lose some people, but they
keep on coming out and showingtheir hearts.
So I think it's reallyimportant.
Joe Pugh (19:50):
When you say so many people get it, what do you think
are maybe some of the the keyfoundational things or steps to
to getting it?
Collen Devlin (19:59):
So always always always read, educate yourselves.
In this day and age though, thatcomes with a caveat of check
your sources first. Make surethat they're good quality. Make
sure that they're truthful. Andthe Truth and Reconciliation
Commission has a great websiteto follow through.
UBC has wonderful information.And actually, the BCTF and First
(20:22):
Nations Steering Committee havegreat information, especially
for dealing with children. Manyof the bookstores, Strong Nation
and Nanaimo, have resources thatare helpful for any age group up
to and including adults. We havestories written from sea to sea
to sea, from Metis, Inuit, andFirst Nations people across
Canada, and the effects not onlyof residential school, but now
(20:45):
the sixties scoop people arecoming forward and talking about
their experiences. Andunfortunately, families with
children in foster care.
That's kind of our newresidential school problem.
There are many chill as manychildren in foster care in BC
and Canada now as there everwere in the residential schools.
So that's a tragedy we need toaddress.
Joe Pugh (21:07):
I already asked you maybe what went on today, the
the spirit walk, what that meansto you. More broadly speaking,
what do you think the theNational Day for Truth and
Reconciliation in general, whatis that is that all about? What
does it mean to you?
Collen Devlin (21:21):
To me personally, it's all about my family and our
history, and as an educator,it's also very much about
education, making sure thatevery Canadian knows the truth
and every Canadian is moreunderstanding of all peoples,
all walks of life comingtogether, our our new Canadians,
(21:43):
our struggling Canadians, thatwe are all family.
Joe Pugh (21:47):
In any reporting you've seen about the day or
discourse you hear about theday, are there any things you
wish you heard more about?
Collen Devlin (21:57):
I think, I knew about this because of my family
and my mom was always verytruthful with us, but so many
people still come and say, Ididn't know. I hadn't heard
about all this. So sometimesit's not the burden of the first
nations people, the indigenouspeople to to teach and educate.
That burden now goes toCanadians. Pick up some books,
(22:20):
do some reading, and educateyourself.
And once you know, you can neverunknow. And, again, just lead
from your heart and be truthfuland caring to others.
Joe Pugh (22:31):
Colleen Devlin speaking with me following a
spirit walk in the Comox Valleyto mark the national day for
truth and reconciliation. OnTuesday, I also visited the
Comox Valley Art Gallery. Wherecurrently featuring the work of
sixties scoop survivor, GeorgeLittlechild. Here's curator
(22:51):
Denise Lawson.
Denise Lawson (22:52):
George Littlechild lives here in this
region. He has lived in thisregion for about thirty years.
He is a Cree and Celticancestry, and we knew that he
had had the show that was thecentral show in this exhibition,
and that is I Here I am. Can yousee me? And that was really
(23:19):
around the residentialexperience of his mother, Rachel
Littlechild.
And so we brought that here. Itwas a touring exhibition from
the Art Gallery of Alberta. Andthen we wanted to expand on it.
So we included work that Georgehad done early in his career
around the sixties scoop Andthen also a small body of work
(23:40):
that was related to his family,his ancestry, both his mom and
dad and going back from there.And just looking at this cross
cultural dichotomy that he livedwith.
Joe Pugh (23:57):
How long is the exhibit on? And if I understand
correctly, there might be beyondjust checking it out if you're
in the Glomax Valley, some otheropportunities to engage with
with George Littlechild and thework coming up.
Denise Lawson (24:09):
So the the exhibition itself will run until
the November 15, and the galleryis open Wednesday to Saturday
from ten to five each day. Wealso do tours if people want to
contact us and set aside a timewhen we're typically not open to
the public. We can take a lookat that. And if it works, we
will make those arrangements.We're a public art gallery, so
(24:32):
contemporary art gallery.
So there's no charge, althoughdonations are always really
helpful. And the otheropportunities that you'll have,
if you want to meet George, he'sgiving a talk on November 8 at
the gallery at 01:00. It's aSaturday afternoon. And he'll
just walk people through thework that's on exhibition. And I
(24:54):
would really encourage people tocome out to that because he's a
great storyteller.
And then the other thing thatwe're doing in collaboration
with the North Island CollegeFine Arts Department and their
artist talk series is we'rehaving the film shown of
George's life. It's adocumentary made by Connor
McNally. And Nanikawasis is thetitle of the film, and it will
(25:20):
be shown on October 4. So it'scoming up really quick from one
until about four because there'sgoing to be the film, which is
ninety minutes, and then there'sgonna be a q and a with Connor
and George there. And so peoplecan get tickets online through
ticket.
Just go to the gallery'swebsite. If you're a North
(25:41):
Island College student, you getin for free.
Joe Pugh (25:44):
Is there anything else you think it's important to know
about what's going on at theComox Valley Art Gallery as it
relates to the National Day forTruth and Reconciliation?
Denise Lawson (25:54):
Well, we also have in the window for the next
ten days, it was on for a couplebefore today, and then we'll
continue, is a contribution oftraditional artworks that were
made by members of the communitywho live here, the Inu
community, the Metis community,the Anishinaabe. So there's a
(26:17):
jingle dress, a cote, a Metissash, some moccasins that are
beautifully beaded, traditional,Salish shawl, a drum. So all of
those are represent, not only,indigenous communities who are
now living in this area, but notfrom this region, as well as the
(26:39):
Comox Nation, has put in acouple of pieces as well. So
that's worth coming and taking alook at. There's information
about all these things on ourwebsite if people wanna learn
more or see the pictures if theycan't make it to the gallery.
Joe Pugh (26:54):
Denise, thank you so much for taking the time. Denise
Lawson is curator of the ComoxValley Art Gallery. That's our
show for the day. Thank you forjoining me. I'm Joe Q, host and
producer of Midcoast Morning.
Jesse Woodward is our executiveproducer, and RB Fruit is our
technical adviser. Our themesong is first one by local
(27:16):
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us to cover, email us atnews@chly.ca. That's all for
now. I'll talk to you on anotherMid Coast Morning.
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local support.
Joe Pugh (00:21):
Hello, and welcome to Midcoast Morning. I'm Joe Pugh.
On the fifth annual National Dayfor Truth and Reconciliation,
hundreds gathered for a spiritwalk in the Comox Valley.
Marchers headed down FifthStreet in Courtenay, ending at
Lewis Park. Today on theprogram, we'll be bringing you
(00:41):
reflections from some of thosepresent about the National Day
for Truth and Reconciliation.
First observed as a federalstatutory holiday in 2021, the
day honors survivors ofresidential schools and the
children who never returned homefrom them, as well as family
members and communities. Itcoincides with Orange Shirt Day,
(01:06):
a tradition started by PhyllisWebstad in 2013. I attended the
event in Courtney where I spokewith some of the organizers.
Chrys Sample (01:17):
My name is Chrys Sample. I'm with the Mikisu Meki
Association. I'm one of theorganizers or coordinators of
the spirit walk today.
Joe Pugh (01:25):
And this year, you were telling me that you took on
sort of for the first time thelead organizer role. Can you
tell me what that has been like?
Chrys Sample (01:34):
Well, last year, the office coordinator had
everything ready, and then shewent to Spain. And so she went a
few days before the spirit walk,so I kind of stepped in and on
this day of the spirit walk. Andthen this year, she took a new
job. And so Colleen Devlin andHeather Greeley and Kim Dirksen
and I formed a little committee,we've done this together. And
(01:58):
since they work, Colleen and Idid a lot of the work.
And so it's been what I what Iwanna take away from this or
what I am taking away from thisexperience is how fabulous it's
been and how kind people havebeen to us. The city of
Courtney, the operations part ofthe city of Courtney, the
(02:19):
Downtown Business Association.Oh, man. So many people. And we
partnered.
We culturally partnered, andhere we are.
Joe Pugh (02:28):
Can you give me an idea of what the the concept
behind the Spirit Walk is?
Chrys Sample (02:33):
Okay. So today is National Truth and
Reconciliation Day. September 30is that day. And it's a day
where we recognize and honor thesurvivors and families of people
who were in residential schoolsystems. And so this year, we
decided to do thingsdifferently.
And instead of walking in smallgroups, we met at Harmston Park
(02:56):
and we walked all together. Andthe city of Courtenay kindly let
us get the road closed for theday, and so we all walked
together. And it felt like areally good thing to be together
with our orange shirts on andall of us walking together, a
community walking shoulder toshoulder, showing that we
(03:16):
support each other, and wesupport everyone who's been
through the residential schoolsystems or their families.
Joe Pugh (03:23):
This is now the fifth National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation. What does thisday come to mean maybe to you?
How do you think about it?
Chrys Sample (03:32):
Well, I I don't know if it's the fifth the fifth
fifth Truth and ReconciliationDay, but it's our fifth day of
having a spirit walk to honorthat. And to me, truth and
reconciliation means one of thethings it means how we can work
together as communities, livetogether as communities. And for
(03:56):
for myself, I see it as a day ofof education and educating
people on who we are, what wedo, how we got to be here, and
how we can live together andwork together.
Joe Pugh (04:08):
On that education point, what do you feel are some
of the the main things you'dlike there to be maybe more
awareness of or when we talkabout education the National Day
for Truth and ReconciliationDay, what do you think are some
of the most important points?
Chrys Sample (04:24):
Let's see. Well, I I think that we as I'm going to
talk about the Metis peoplebecause that's who I am. I I
think it's important that we goto schools and and teach
students. I think it's importantthat we educate our own
community on our language, ourculture, our family ways, I
(04:47):
think that's really important.And for other people who are not
indigenous, I I think it's anopportunity for them to learn
about indigenous people and toknow that there are three
distinct cultures, FirstNations, Metis, Inuit, and those
are things I think that areimportant.
Joe Pugh (05:07):
So the walk has already happened as we're
sitting here. We're we'retalking. We're listening to some
music. There's a really biglineup for a bannock tent over
there. How are you feelinghaving kind of watched the big
part unfold?
Chrys Sample (05:21):
Well, the weather. First of all, we've been every
day, I checked the weather. Itlooked like it was going to be
raining. Yesterday, it said itwas gonna rain 95%. The chance
of rain was 95%, but it didrain, but not very much.
And so really thankful for that.And as the we were at Harmston
Park, as people were gathering,I felt kind of a swell in my
(05:44):
heart that so many people comeand support us and are
interested in learning andinterested in taking part in
truth and truth andreconciliation, and it gives us
hope.
Joe Pugh (05:57):
Chris Sample was one of the organizers of a spirit
walk in the Comox Valley to markthe national day for truth and
reconciliation. Helping outbehind the scenes on Tuesday was
Courtney Mayor Bob Wells. MayorBob Wells, I understand you were
the sound guy for today. Can youtell me how that came about?
Mayor Bob Wells (06:18):
Well, for the last, twenty two years that I've
lived here in the Comox Valley,my background is fine arts
theater, in particular finearts. I used to teach lighting
and sound at UVic. And so I'vegot sound equipment. I've since
sold my technology company quitea few years ago now. But
whenever there's an event likethe spirit walk or I do things
(06:44):
for Yana or Child DevelopmentSociety, anywhere I can come in
and help out.
I livestream events as well. Sothat my son was here. Connor was
helping do the live stream forthis event as well. So those who
can't make it can still watch itfrom home. So yeah, it's just
our way to give back to thecommunity.
Joe Pugh (07:02):
Can you tell me a little bit about the the cities
and making this happen today? Sobig chunk of Fifth Street right
downtown Courtney was closedoff. Did it take to make this
come together on the city's end?
Mayor Bob Wells (07:13):
Well, you know, Chris Semple from the Metis
Society, Mikasa Metis Society,her and I have talked for years.
So, you know, we talked aboutclosing it down. In the past,
we've just walked down thesidewalks, but the idea was this
year to actually close down thestreets. And then we also
(07:35):
donated Lewis Park here. So, youknow, usually, I think it's
about a $3,500 fee for somethinglike this, and we waive that
just as our part as a city towork towards reconciliation.
So, again, I think it's a smalltoken for the city to be able to
extend some of you know, I mean,I I mean, as mayor, I'm just
(07:58):
someone who gives speeches andcuts ribbons and stuff. But but
as a community member to be ableto help them with their sound
system and help livestreamthings that that I would do for
other organizations. But as acity to step in and bring their
weight to an event like this,again, blocking off Fifth
Street. We had I've heardestimates up to 1,500 people
(08:20):
here today. So I mean, that'sdefinitely a huge number of
people and we wanna see thosetypes of numbers coming out year
after year.
That's why, you know, we haveentertainment here. There's t
shirts and I think somebody saidbannock. I don't know. So I
think this is really just, sortof really helping us, go into
(08:42):
the future of making theseevents even bigger. And then as
mayor or as Bob Wells, assomeone who makes speeches,
Joe Pugh (08:49):
it's 2025. It's since 2021, there have been events on
this day for national theNational Day for Truth and
Reconciliation. Yeah. What doesthat day mean to you?
Mayor Bob Wells (09:01):
Well, for me, you know, I I think one of the
things being someone who issomewhat political, and I was
probably even more politicalwhen I was younger. So when I
was 17, back in 1991, I went offto South Africa because of
apartheid. And that and that wassomething that was a a big issue
(09:23):
in in my life. But many yearslater, in 1996, I lived on
reserve up in Port St. James.
And that's when I first foundout about things like
residential schools, which thelast one was closed in 1996. And
that was something that wasnever taught to me in school,
never mentioned once. And that'sjust residential schools. That
(09:45):
doesn't even get into thesystemic racism on, you know,
jobs people could have,businesses they could own based
on the fact of whether they areFirst Nations or not. So to me,
it's about reconciling this,acknowledging it, and and then
doing our best to work withFirst Nations to move forward.
And and that to me is what thisday is about. And I think that
(10:08):
there's always an opportunityfor everybody in whatever in any
walk of life to be able to dowhat they can, for
reconciliation. And and that's,what I hope to do is, and
continue to do as as mayor andas a community, member.
Joe Pugh (10:23):
Mayor Bob Wells, thank you very much for taking the
time.
Mayor Bob Wells (10:26):
My pleasure.
Joe Pugh (10:27):
Courtney mayor Bob Wells. Tuesday at the city's
Lewis Park. As part of an eventto mark the National Day for
Truth and Reconciliation, manylined up for Bannock. After
things had wrapped up, I wasable to speak with the person
providing it.
Pauline (10:47):
I would say, So that means hello and welcome. My name
is Pauline. I make an effort tomake sure that I'm present and
mindful when I'm doing thisevent. Being, a granddaughter of
residential school survivors,both my grandparents went, and I
had a great uncle, JasperMitchell, who didn't get to come
(11:08):
home. So I keep that in mindwhen I'm cooking, remembering my
grandfather, he ran away fromCooper Island, and it took him
three days to come home.
So when I'm making bannock, Imake sure that I'm using that
within my heart. And thenbecause indigenous peoples have
(11:29):
evolved ever since from thebeginning, so I brought baked
bannock with traditionalflavors, herb, chili flake,
pumpkin spice, cranberry ginger.
Joe Pugh (11:41):
Is there anything you're able to share about what
makes bannock bannock?
Pauline (11:45):
I think it's about the heart that you put into it. I'm
not quite sure why it turns outthis way. It's always magical to
me. Right? So traditionally,they would be using a root
called camas.
Right? And it's a very laborintensive item that indigenous
peoples used to farm. So havingflour now, right, and having
(12:06):
everything readily available.And I just have been working on
it since I was 14. I'm rounding50 now, so as many years of
trying trial and errors.
Some work, some don't. So it'sjust feeling what my heart says
when I'm tossing tossingingredients into the bowl.
Joe Pugh (12:24):
There were a lot a lot of people in line for Bannock
today. What was the experiencefor you like serving all those
people?
Pauline (12:33):
Customer service and doing that kind of bartering
trail trade system isindigenous, right? And then
being an indigenous woman, wewere always very good at doing
those trades, right? I justconnect through my culture,
enjoy seeing the delight in thefaces when they eat into it, as
(12:59):
well as seeing return peoplecome. Right? People that I know
from the valley, and thenthey're just eager to say hello
and participate in a wonderfulevent as this is.
Joe Pugh (13:08):
So there was a bit of a a barter system to it today?
Pauline (13:12):
Well, sometimes depending on what's going on, I
toss in a couple extra, right,when you notice someone might
need a little extra. Or if theycan't decide, you know, I'll
just give them an extra one sothat they can try all the
flavors.
Joe Pugh (13:26):
Is there anything you'd be willing to share about
maybe, like, what the dayNational Day for Truth and
Reconciliation means or is allabout to you?
Pauline (13:35):
Yeah. It's about my family. Right? They chose to
live life. If you haven't ornobody has looked into Cooper
Island Residential School, Iencourage you to do so and to
listen to what those childrenhad to endure.
So Cooper Island, 40% of thestudents there for thirty years
(13:59):
didn't make it. So that's fourout of ten kids that wouldn't
come. So if you imagine CooperIsland, a small island off of
Vancouver Island, the treatmentthat they had to endure to risk
their life to swim the StewartChannel, right, and to fight the
Salish Sea waters. Right? Whatdid they have to endure?
(14:20):
Coming to Sal Bannock isnothing. Seeing the lineup of
people smiling and right? Seeingthe people walking down,
entering into Lewis Park,brought tears to my eyes because
my grandparents didn't get tohave that opportunity to see the
change of what we see today.
Joe Pugh (14:41):
Is there anything else you'd like to share with people?
Or is there anything else youthink it's important for people
to know about what went on hereor just the day in general?
Pauline (14:50):
Well, truth and reconciliation. Right? That's
being of a mindset ofdecolonizing your brain And,
decolonizing isn't just a nonindigenous perspective. Right?
Indigenous peoples as well needto break down that mindset of
connecting back to thatindigeneity.
Right? Letting go of thatcapitalist mindset that this is
(15:12):
what we're here for. We're herefor to connecting with people,
building community, making sureas a chieftain does going door
to door, checking on the people,and seeing how they are. Are.
Announcer (15:23):
Midcoast Morning is part of our nonprofit newsroom
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the air by funding it today witha monthly sustaining donation at
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incentive.
Joe Pugh (15:38):
Many in the Comox Valley came together to mark the
National Day for Truth andReconciliation with a spirit
walk on Tuesday. Colleen Devlinis a retired teacher and helped
organize the walk. I spoke withher after things had finished up
in Lewis Park.
Collen Devlin (15:58):
Hello. My name is Colleen Devlin. I am Cree and
Metis from Alberta NorthernManitoba.
Joe Pugh (16:04):
And you have just wrapped up what was going on
here in Lewis Park to mark thenational day for truth and
reconciliation. How do you feelit all went?
Collen Devlin (16:14):
I think it went amazingly well. We're always
worried about the weather hereon the coast, always worried
whether people will enjoy andembrace the change of the walk,
and I think they did. We hadabout 1,500 people show up today
on a iffy kind of weather day,so I'm really, really proud of
the valley for showing up.
Joe Pugh (16:33):
Can you tell me to you what is the walk all about?
Collen Devlin (16:37):
To me, the walk is all about people learning
about what happened inresidential schools over the
hundred and fifty years, and notonly learning, but then doing
something about it. So at theend, my my talk to the crowd was
find one act of reconciliationthat you can do. Drop something
off at the food bank, bakecookies for the locals local
(17:00):
soup kitchen, make somedonations for indigenous
projects like the Big FootDonuts bursary to North Island
College. Any little bit helps. Ialso really really believe in
meeting people in the eye asyou're meeting walking down the
street, and recognizing thatthey might have some struggles,
and where they could have comefrom.
(17:21):
Seven generations of harm andhurt and trauma happened to
indigenous people. It's going totake understanding, empathy, and
helping us move forward togetheras Canadians like Murray
Sinclair says, we're walking onthis path towards
reconciliation. The journey islong and hard and tough, it's
gonna take all of us beingtogether.
Joe Pugh (17:41):
There were a number of orange hearts decorating the
area today. You've shared withme that you used to be a teacher
yourself. I'm wondering if youcould tell me a little bit about
that part of things.
Collen Devlin (17:52):
These orange came about. There's a group back east
called the First Nations CaringSociety, and they have a project
called Planting Hearts, PlantingDreams. So this is a riff off of
that, and doing art withchildren is a great way for them
to express themselves, a greatway for adults to move around
between them as they're doingtheir art, so you can hear about
(18:12):
their big feelings and theirthoughts about learning about
residential schools. So it'sit's kind of a therapy, I guess.
So children at a number ofschools in the valley were asked
to do paper hearts and expresswhat their feelings were.
So a lot of the hearts saidthings like, I'm walking for my
grandma, or you're special,you're important because you're
(18:33):
kind, I see you, you matter. Andthey're all very heartfelt,
beautifully decorated hearts.They are throughout Lewis Park,
and they are also up at ourschool board office. There is at
least a thousand heartsdisplayed around the valley, and
Wache Friendship Center also hastheir front garden full of
hearts.
Joe Pugh (18:52):
In 2021, I was in Nanaimo for a ceremony to mark
the National Day for Truth andReconciliation. There have been
ceremonies since that time.We're now now 2025. How do you
think, the day people'sperception of the day has maybe
evolved in the year since?
Collen Devlin (19:13):
Oh, I I see the evolution as being tremendous.
When I retired from fromteaching, I felt like it was
such a great time to beindigenous education because so
many people get it, so manypeople understand, so many
people are willing to start theconversation and ask what's
next, what can we do next. I'veseen this walk grow in numbers
tremendously. As I mentioned,the estimate is about 1,500
(19:36):
people today, and I can see itjust going forward.
Logistically, because we changedparks over the last few years
with construction, I thoughtwe'd lose some people, but they
keep on coming out and showingtheir hearts.
So I think it's reallyimportant.
Joe Pugh (19:50):
When you say so many people get it, what do you think
are maybe some of the the keyfoundational things or steps to
to getting it?
Collen Devlin (19:59):
So always always always read, educate yourselves.
In this day and age though, thatcomes with a caveat of check
your sources first. Make surethat they're good quality. Make
sure that they're truthful. Andthe Truth and Reconciliation
Commission has a great websiteto follow through.
UBC has wonderful information.And actually, the BCTF and First
(20:22):
Nations Steering Committee havegreat information, especially
for dealing with children. Manyof the bookstores, Strong Nation
and Nanaimo, have resources thatare helpful for any age group up
to and including adults. We havestories written from sea to sea
to sea, from Metis, Inuit, andFirst Nations people across
Canada, and the effects not onlyof residential school, but now
(20:45):
the sixties scoop people arecoming forward and talking about
their experiences. Andunfortunately, families with
children in foster care.
That's kind of our newresidential school problem.
There are many chill as manychildren in foster care in BC
and Canada now as there everwere in the residential schools.
So that's a tragedy we need toaddress.
Joe Pugh (21:07):
I already asked you maybe what went on today, the
the spirit walk, what that meansto you. More broadly speaking,
what do you think the theNational Day for Truth and
Reconciliation in general, whatis that is that all about? What
does it mean to you?
Collen Devlin (21:21):
To me personally, it's all about my family and our
history, and as an educator,it's also very much about
education, making sure thatevery Canadian knows the truth
and every Canadian is moreunderstanding of all peoples,
all walks of life comingtogether, our our new Canadians,
(21:43):
our struggling Canadians, thatwe are all family.
Joe Pugh (21:47):
In any reporting you've seen about the day or
discourse you hear about theday, are there any things you
wish you heard more about?
Collen Devlin (21:57):
I think, I knew about this because of my family
and my mom was always verytruthful with us, but so many
people still come and say, Ididn't know. I hadn't heard
about all this. So sometimesit's not the burden of the first
nations people, the indigenouspeople to to teach and educate.
That burden now goes toCanadians. Pick up some books,
(22:20):
do some reading, and educateyourself.
And once you know, you can neverunknow. And, again, just lead
from your heart and be truthfuland caring to others.
Joe Pugh (22:31):
Colleen Devlin speaking with me following a
spirit walk in the Comox Valleyto mark the national day for
truth and reconciliation. OnTuesday, I also visited the
Comox Valley Art Gallery. Wherecurrently featuring the work of
sixties scoop survivor, GeorgeLittlechild. Here's curator
(22:51):
Denise Lawson.
Denise Lawson (22:52):
George Littlechild lives here in this
region. He has lived in thisregion for about thirty years.
He is a Cree and Celticancestry, and we knew that he
had had the show that was thecentral show in this exhibition,
and that is I Here I am. Can yousee me? And that was really
(23:19):
around the residentialexperience of his mother, Rachel
Littlechild.
And so we brought that here. Itwas a touring exhibition from
the Art Gallery of Alberta. Andthen we wanted to expand on it.
So we included work that Georgehad done early in his career
around the sixties scoop Andthen also a small body of work
(23:40):
that was related to his family,his ancestry, both his mom and
dad and going back from there.And just looking at this cross
cultural dichotomy that he livedwith.
Joe Pugh (23:57):
How long is the exhibit on? And if I understand
correctly, there might be beyondjust checking it out if you're
in the Glomax Valley, some otheropportunities to engage with
with George Littlechild and thework coming up.
Denise Lawson (24:09):
So the the exhibition itself will run until
the November 15, and the galleryis open Wednesday to Saturday
from ten to five each day. Wealso do tours if people want to
contact us and set aside a timewhen we're typically not open to
the public. We can take a lookat that. And if it works, we
will make those arrangements.We're a public art gallery, so
(24:32):
contemporary art gallery.
So there's no charge, althoughdonations are always really
helpful. And the otheropportunities that you'll have,
if you want to meet George, he'sgiving a talk on November 8 at
the gallery at 01:00. It's aSaturday afternoon. And he'll
just walk people through thework that's on exhibition. And I
(24:54):
would really encourage people tocome out to that because he's a
great storyteller.
And then the other thing thatwe're doing in collaboration
with the North Island CollegeFine Arts Department and their
artist talk series is we'rehaving the film shown of
George's life. It's adocumentary made by Connor
McNally. And Nanikawasis is thetitle of the film, and it will
(25:20):
be shown on October 4. So it'scoming up really quick from one
until about four because there'sgoing to be the film, which is
ninety minutes, and then there'sgonna be a q and a with Connor
and George there. And so peoplecan get tickets online through
ticket.
Just go to the gallery'swebsite. If you're a North
(25:41):
Island College student, you getin for free.
Joe Pugh (25:44):
Is there anything else you think it's important to know
about what's going on at theComox Valley Art Gallery as it
relates to the National Day forTruth and Reconciliation?
Denise Lawson (25:54):
Well, we also have in the window for the next
ten days, it was on for a couplebefore today, and then we'll
continue, is a contribution oftraditional artworks that were
made by members of the communitywho live here, the Inu
community, the Metis community,the Anishinaabe. So there's a
(26:17):
jingle dress, a cote, a Metissash, some moccasins that are
beautifully beaded, traditional,Salish shawl, a drum. So all of
those are represent, not only,indigenous communities who are
now living in this area, but notfrom this region, as well as the
(26:39):
Comox Nation, has put in acouple of pieces as well. So
that's worth coming and taking alook at. There's information
about all these things on ourwebsite if people wanna learn
more or see the pictures if theycan't make it to the gallery.
Joe Pugh (26:54):
Denise, thank you so much for taking the time. Denise
Lawson is curator of the ComoxValley Art Gallery. That's our
show for the day. Thank you forjoining me. I'm Joe Q, host and
producer of Midcoast Morning.
Jesse Woodward is our executiveproducer, and RB Fruit is our
technical adviser. Our themesong is first one by local
(27:16):
Nanaimo band, Waste Management.If you have a story you'd like
us to cover, email us atnews@chly.ca. That's all for
now. I'll talk to you on anotherMid Coast Morning.
Announcer (27:28):
Mid Coast Morning would not be possible without
the funding of the CommunityRadio Fund of Canada's radio
meters program and generouslisteners like you. Support our
news, current affairs, and artsand cultural programming through
our nonprofit newsroom projecttoday by making a monthly
sustaining donation atchly.ca/donate. Finally, this
(27:49):
program gives thanks to theNenema First Nation as we
broadcast and podcast from theirtraditional territory. Thanks
for listening.
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