The City of White Rock permanently raised the Semiahmoo First Nation flag today at City Hall. The flag will serve as an enduring visual reminder of White Rock’s location on the traditional territory of the Semiahmoo people and of the City’s commitment to its partnership with the Semiahmoo First Nation.
“Moving toward Reconciliation takes all of us working together,” said White Rock Mayor, Darryl Walker. “Flying the Semiahmoo First Nation flag alongside the Canadian, B.C. and White Rock flags at City Hall, is an appropriate reflection of our community and of White Rock’s identity.”
“The raising of the Semiahmoo flag at White Rock City Hall is a proud moment for the Semiahmoo people. Those who see it will be reminded that they are walking on the traditional territory of the Semiahmoo,” said Semiahmoo First Nation Chief, Harley Chappell. “I would like to thank the City of White Rock for raising the flag. It speaks to the good intentions of the City, and the community, to continue down the road of Reconciliation.”
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was chosen for the flag raising ceremony to celebrate the resilience and strength of residential school system survivors, to remember and honour the children who never came home, and to reflect the City of White Rock’s commitment to Reconciliation. The event included a flag blessing ceremony led by Semiahmoo Chief Harley Chappell and members of the Semiahmoo First Nation. It was followed with the raising of the flag by Chief Chappell and Mayor Walker.
Several other in B.C. municipalities have permanently raised First Nations flags, including the City of Cranbrook, City of Nanaimo, City of Pitt Meadows, City of Port Alberni, City of Prince George, City of Sooke, and the City of Williams Lake. The City of Winnipeg has also raised three permanent First Nations flags at their City Hall.
The Semiahmoo First Nation people have inhabited territory across Washington State, the Strait of Georgia (now known as the Salish Sea) and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia for thousands of years. For more information, visit semiahmoofirstnation.ca.