Editor:
?ul nu msh chalap (thank you all) to the Sechelt First Nation for having generously shared she shashishalhem with the community at large through new dual-language highway signs featuring shíshálh place names. I would like to also thank the provincial government for enabling this. To learn some simple phrases, see shishalh.com/culture-language/sechelt-language/
Noted B.C. historian and author Jean Barman concludes that British Columbia would not exist today had it not been for the close historical cooperation between the Indigenous people, French-Canadian voyageurs and British fur traders (French Canadians, Furs and Indigenous Women, UBC Press, 2014). Together they were able to resist U.S. expansionism, which at the time seemed hell-bent on exterminating Indigenous people and absorbing everything between Washington and Alaska.
In light of this, let’s extend a warm welcome to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and little Archie. Although some of my friends have not shown too much hospitality in their letters to the editor here, I would like to point out that Fidel Castro’s Cuba created a park in Diana’s memory. They considered her to be a revolutionary. Harry and Meghan are following in her footsteps as they demonstrate enthusiasm for progressive social justice initiatives. We should be encouraging them through the warmest possible welcome.
Havana also inaugurated a park in honour of Mother Teresa, who is considered to be a revolutionary for her lifetime of selfless devotion to the poor. It is interesting to see that Our Lady of Lourdes is honoured with a grotto and a waterfront church, both blessed by shíshálh Elders. The church welcomes everyone and shelters some of the most beautiful art, including the 14 Stations of the Cross carved in cedar by the late Eddie Jeffries and featuring all Indigenous figures. Everyone is welcome to share prayers and song in she shashishalhem Sunday mornings at 9:30.
Roger Lagassé, Halfmoon Bay
