The Chief Councillor of K’ómoks First Nation, the Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District and the Mayors of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, have jointly issued the following statement in advance of National Indigenous Peoples Day:

The local National Indigenous Peoples Day event, hosted by the K’ómoks First Nation in collaboration with local governments, cultural and community partners, will be celebrated on Friday, June 21, from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds.

In the Comox Valley, we are grateful for the privilege to live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation and we acknowledge the rich culture of the people of the Pentlatch, Ieeksen, Xa’xe, Sathloot, and Sasitla tribes.

We look forward to gathering to learn, share and strengthen our relationships as we celebrate and honour the strength, resilience, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples. In doing so, we respect and remember that these lands have supported Indigenous communities for thousands of years before the arrival of settlers to their territories.

Local governments in the Comox Valley have embraced the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and have formally committed to reconciliation. With the support and guidance of K’ómoks First Nation, we are on a journey together to build a culture of meaningful engagement between our organizations.

One of the best ways to move forward together is to learn from one another. We encourage residents of the Comox Valley to join us for this free family event for the entire community. The event includes demonstrations, knowledge sharing, environmental walks at the Tsolum River, cultural presentations, child and youth activities, food and craft vendors, community tents, and entertaining live music.

For more on the event, visit www.komoks.ca/NIPD2024. The event organizers are still actively looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Details on applying to be a volunteer can be found on the event website.

On behalf of the K’ómoks First Nation, Comox Valley Regional District, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland, please join us in celebrating together the heritage, contributions and unique cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities in the Comox Valley and across Canada.

Sincerely,
Chief Councillor Ken Price, K’ómoks First Nation
Chair Will Cole-Hamilton, Comox Valley Regional District
Mayor Bob Wells, City of Courtenay
Mayor Nicole Minions, Town of Comox
Mayor Vickey Brown, Village of Cumberland

The City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland and the Comox Valley Regional District respectfully acknowledge the land on which they operate is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.