As ComoxB次元官网网址檚 Bay Community Church and Living Waters Fellowship Church in Black Creek prepare to host Action4Canada founder Tanya Gaw as a guest speaker (Oct. 26 and 27, respectively), KB次元官网网址櫭砿oks First Nation has published a statement denouncing the visit.

B次元官网网址淎ction4Canada is not welcome in KB次元官网网址櫭砿oks Territory,B次元官网网址� reads the statement, published Oct. 26 and signed by Elected Chief Ken Price and his entire council team (Coral Mackay, Candace Newman and Susan Lavoie). B次元官网网址淓vents that promote hate, division, and racism have no place in our community.B次元官网网址�

The statement continues in great detail as to the NationB次元官网网址檚 opposition to the visit.

B次元官网网址淚t has come to our attention that two events featuring Ms. Tanya Gaw and her organization, Action4Canada, are raising significant concerns. We vehemently denounce any actions that perpetuate ideologies rooted in hatred, division, and prejudice.B次元官网网址�

On Oct. 25, the Tseshaht First Nation Elected Chief and Council made a similar announcement, prompting CharB次元官网网址檚 Landing to cancel a planned stop on GawB次元官网网址檚 tour.

As of Thursday (Oct. 26) afternoon, the Comox Valley stops are going ahead as planned.

B次元官网网址淲e are compelled to acknowledge that local elected officials and members of the greater community have shared their concerns with one of the churches, but the church has chosen to move forward in hosting this event,B次元官网网址� reads the KFN statement. B次元官网网址淲e respect the principles of freedom of expression and differing perspectives. However, we firmly believe it is crucial for all members of our community to critically evaluate the content and messages propagated by events like these. Events promoting hate, division, and racism should never find a foothold within our communities.B次元官网网址�

One point of contention with the First Nations groups is a specific post by Gaw on social media, where she called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission a B次元官网网址渨itch hunt.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淥ur community, like every Indigenous community in this country, has endured the painful legacy of residential schools, with living members who attended both residential and day school, and families who continue to be impacted by these systems to this day,B次元官网网址� reads the KFN statement. B次元官网网址淒enial of the realities of residential schools and the unmarked graves that have come to light is not only offensive but perpetuates the cycle of pain and trauma.

B次元官网网址淲e stand firm with declaring that Ms. Gaw and her organization, Action4Canada, are not welcome in our territory, which encompasses the Comox Valley.B次元官网网址�

Attached is the complete press release published by KB次元官网网址櫭砿oks First Nation.