Editor:
An open letter to the City of New Westminster and the Western Lacrosse Association:
I have been a settler on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the Qayqayt First Nation for almost 20 years.
Recently (finally!), I attended my first senior Salmonbellies game at Queen’s Park Arena. The music was booming while the players warmed up and we took our seats; it was exciting.
When it came time to start the game, the players and sponsors were introduced and the national anthem was sung. I expected that the traditional territories of the Qayqayt First Nation would also be acknowledged, but they weren’t.
This was surprising to me, given the City of New Westminster’s strong commitment to reconciliation. The territorial acknowledgment is a small, but significant gesture and should be standard practice at all public gatherings in our city.
It speaks to the truth that we are living here, together, on unceded lands, and it shows that our city’s recently renewed commitment to building relationships with Indigenous peoples is truly an active priority.
Given that lacrosse was invented by First Nations people, it seems only fitting that the Salmonbellies should be leading the charge in this regard. I believe that honouring the traditional territories of the Qayqayt First Nation at every sporting event would be a significant way to show how we have embraced our commitment to that promise. And, perhaps, it will help to encourage others to ask themselves what they are personally doing to learn more and encourage change.
Jenny Lee, New Westminster
