Quesnel’s Board of Education has issued a statement in support of local First Nations in denouncing the book titled Grave Error-How Media Misled us (and the Truth about Residential Schools.)
The issue was raised after the Lhtako Dene Nation sent a letter to Quesnel City Council and the Mayor questioning why the book was being distributed in the community by the Mayor’s wife.
The School District Office was also sent a copy of the book.
Their confirmation release can be found here.
Board Chair Lisa Boudreau says they felt that they needed to issue a statement.
“As a partner with the school district and Lhtako Dene we support them. I think most people saw the letter that they sent to Quesnel City Council earlier this week so we are just making a statement just saying we’re continuing, as we always have, we support them, we are partners with them, we stand beside them, and it’s our responsibility to reaffirm our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”
A statement from the Board also said that “the truth of residential schools impacts all of us, especially those who lived and still live these atrocities, which includes generational impacts. We live with the responsibility to show care and compassion and most importantly to ensure a better future for all of our students.”
Boudreau added that it was important to share the truth with all students and the community.
The district release noted that resources to teach students about the past are vetted for accuracy and integrity by partners such as FNESC (First Nation Education Steering Committee) and their local Aboriginal Education Council.
Lhtako Dene Nation, Nazko First Nation, Lhooskuz Dene Nation, ?Esdilagh First Nation, and Metis Nation were all mentioned in the release.
–Files by George Henderson, My Cariboo Now