The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) board supports K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation in the firm stand against any form of racism, hate, and discrimination within our community.

鈥淎s a board, we recently adopted a fifth strategic driver dedicated towards accessibility, diversity and inclusivity within our community. We strongly discourage any actions that continue growing hatred, division, and prejudice within our region,鈥� explains chair Jesse Ketler. 鈥淲e are a small community filled with diversity and we need to respect each other, promote kindness, and continue to keep our community a welcoming, safe place for everyone.鈥�

The board is committed to reconciliation and relationship building with Indigenous Peoples and specifically K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation. By working with K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation with dedication towards learning, honesty, openness and compassion we strive to demonstrate respect and appreciation for the tragic loss of so many innocent lives within residential schools. The CVRD recognizes the work of reconciliation is the responsibility of all levels of government and segments of Canadian society.

鈥淲e are grateful to K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation for patiently working with us, providing us with guidance and essential learnings,鈥� explains Ketler. 鈥淲e are hopeful that through our work together we can influence change in our community and we are honoured to be on this journey together.鈥�

On Thursday Oct. 26, K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation issued a statement announcing that 鈥淎ction4Canada is not welcome in K鈥櫭砿oks Territory,鈥� in response to a couple of Comox Valley churches hosting Action4canada founder Tanya Gaw as a guest speaker. Gaw has called the Truth and Reconciliation a 鈥渨hich hunt鈥� and claims there are no graves at residential schools.

Bay Community Church responded to the KFN statement by saying it was one 鈥渕ade in haste and in ignorance of the true spiritual dynamics鈥� and 鈥渋s not a statement one needs validate (sic)鈥�.

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