FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Central Coast Regional District employees to observe National Indigenous Peoples Day
Bella Coola, British Columbia, Friday, July 20, 2018 - The Central Coast Regional District serves Indigenous nations throughout its region, including the Heiltsuk Nation of Bella Bella, the Wuikinuxv Nation of Oweekeno, and the Nuxalk Nation of Bella Coola. As such, a motion was put forward and carried on June 16, 2018 that the CCRD Board of Directors authorizes the approval of June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, as a paid holiday for CCRD staff.
The CCRD acknowledges that National Indigenous Peoples Day should be a national statutory holiday and respectfully upholds the Board´s decision that this day will be observed from this point forward.
Quotes
"Recognition by the CCRD board of National Indigenous Peoples Day as a paid holiday for staff highlights the significance of this day, and celebrates the diversity of our country, our community, and our local government team. It is one of many progressive actions the board has taken in support of reconciliation and partnership. Our entire community can be proud that CCRD is one of the first local governments in BC to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day in this way. It's my hope that this will encourage more local governments to do the same."
Alison Sayers
CCRD Chair
“The value of [observing National Indigenous Peoples Day] helps to reaffirm the identity of who we are [as First Nations people]. We have been the forgotten people of Canada and now we are being honoured by being recognized.”
Richard Hall
CCRD Director