September 29, 2026

The First Nations Health Council stands with Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc in condemning the recent Second Sons gathering and horrific display of hate and white supremacy on Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc lands.

Racism has no place in our communities, in BC, or in Canada. We also stand in solidarity with Indian Residential School Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors and their families, and understand the fear and re-traumatization this incident may cause, particularly given the ongoing legacy of residential schools and colonialism.

As communities across Canada mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this week, we are reminded that reconciliation requires more than reflection on the harms of the past. It requires acknowledging the truth about the intergenerational harms caused by residential schools and colonialism and holding the individuals and systems that deny or distort the experiences of First Nations people and Survivors accountable.

Condemnation alone is not enough. Leaders and institutions have a responsibility to reject racist and hateful rhetoric and take meaningful action to create environments where First Nations people are safe, respected and treated equitably.

Anti-First Nations racism is a fundamental driver of health inequities, affecting people’s sense of safety, belonging and well-being. Social inclusion, culture and language, self-determination, physical environments and strong social support networks all contribute to individual and collective health and wellness. To address health inequities, we need to look beyond health services and include the broader systems and social factors that shape First Nations health, such as the ongoing harm caused by racism and the legacy of residential schools.

The First Nations Health Council remains committed to improving the conditions that allow individuals, families and communities to be healthy, strong, safe and self-determining.