Justice Umbrella Actions.

St. Hilda's Social Justice Umbrella members and supporters have been active over the past week.

In the May 28th edition of the Coast Reporter newspaper there was an inflammatory letter published objecting to the local First Nations request to have highway signs for various Coast Communities changed to reflect the traditional shíshálh names for these places on their swiya (land).  In the spirit of reconciliation Umbrella members composed a letter in response.  In the June 12th edition of the paper the letter was the featured letter on the opinion page. 
See the letter in the file below.

It is of further note that the letter directed readers to the shíshálh Nation's website to learn the correct pronunciation of the new names.  This note was not include in the newspaper edition.  Instead it appears our recommendation was used by the editor to do his own editorial on just that topic.

On Sunday, June 7 in support of the Black Lives Matter movement a rally and walk was organized by some very passionate Sechelt Community members.  Due to Covid 19 concerns there was not expected to be a large turnout.  However, having seen troubling racist events in the U.S. and experiencing racist attitudes to the First Nations here; and with the promise of social distancing and the use of PPE a very large crowd (over 1500) turned out to demonstrate support for this important initiative.  St. Hilda's was well represented by 21 of its members joining.   David Moul filmed 95% of the walk and it can be viewed below.  The Social Justice Banner and a group of parishioners appear at the 4.00 minute mark of the video.