Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc is calling on people around the world to drum simultaneously on the first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says the proposal to drum at 2:15 p.m. PDT is for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools in Canada – a way for people to connect with and support Indigenous people while learning about the importance of the day.
“We chose 2:15 p.m. as 215 was the that number that made a ripple around the world at the end of May of this year about the truth at the sites of former Indian residential schools as it revealed the truth of the historic mistreatment of Indigenous children,” Casimir said.
She also says the time was chosen as a way to honour those children who are under the caretakership of Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc.
“It is time to drum for the healing of Residential School survivors who carried the burden of knowing where the children were buried and to drum of the healing of the families and communities whose children did not come home,” Casimir added.
“Secwepemc elders have said that it is the children that are going to bring us together, and we want to make the world a better place for children. Every Child Matters.”
Casimir is also encouraging people to learn the Secwepemc Honour Song so that they can join in while drumming on Sept. 30. That song – as well as a tutorial video – can be found online here.
“We invite you to share this song, to teach it and record it in schools, workplaces, and living rooms,” she added. “Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon the world to help us shine a light on truth, the pursuit of justice and peace, as well as healing for all affected by these beloved missing children.”
“The confirmation of the missing children has impacted people locally, regionally, nationally and even globally.”
Given ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Casimir is asking people to ensure they follow all of the public health and safety protocols that are in place.