IRSSS Condemns Racist Policies and Residential School Denialism in BC Politics
[Coast Salish Territories (Vancouver, BC), March 17, 2025] –
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is deeply alarmed by recent political developments in British Columbia that expose ongoing colonial attitudes and disregard for Indigenous rights. The leaked proposal from Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s office, suggesting the forced relocation of Indigenous people from the Downtown Eastside (DTES), and the disgraceful comments by former BC Conservative MLA Dallas Brodie minimizing the horrors of Residential Schools, highlight the urgent need for political accountability and meaningful reconciliation efforts.
Following public outcry, Mayor Sim has acknowledged concerns over the leaked draft but stopped short of fully addressing the issue. While he assured the public that there was “no intention to move anyone anywhere,” he did not clarify what the actual plan entails, nor did he offer an apology to the Indigenous people directly impacted. The BC Assembly of First Nations has called for a formal apology, reinforcing that the harm caused by such proposals extends beyond miscommunication—it reflects deep systemic issues in how governments approach Indigenous housing and poverty.
“The idea of forcibly ‘returning’ vulnerable Indigenous people to their so-called home communities—many of whom have no ties to these places—echoes both historic racist policies and ones taking place today south of the border,” said Angela White, Executive Director of IRSSS. “It is an unacceptable colonial approach that ignores not only why Indigenous people move to urban areas, but also why many have no home communities to return to—because of Indian Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and decades of underfunded services in First Nations communities.”
The proposal directly contradicts Vancouver’s commitments to reconciliation and violates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which protects Indigenous peoples from forced relocation and affirms their right to determine their own housing and social needs. IRSSS stands with Indigenous leaders in demanding that solutions for Indigenous homelessness and poverty be led by Indigenous organizations, including local First Nations governments and urban Indigenous communities—not dictated by politicians.
Equally disturbing is the recent expulsion of Dallas Brodie from the BC Conservative caucus following her public denialism of Residential School atrocities. Her statements reflect a growing and dangerous trend of distorting history to silence Survivors and undermine the truth. Canada’s special interlocutor on unmarked graves has warned that denialism is taking hold in public discourse, despite overwhelming evidence of the harm inflicted by the Residential School system.
“The deliberate policy of forced assimilation at Indian Residential Schools has had lasting, devastating impacts on Survivors and their families,” White continued. “Denying or mocking this reality is a direct attack on truth, healing, and reconciliation. Political leaders must do better—they must reject misinformation and stand with Indigenous communities, not against them.”
IRSSS calls on the BC government, all political parties, and the public to take a stand against Residential School denialism and policies that strip Indigenous people of their rights and dignity. Instead of perpetuating harmful colonial narratives, leaders must prioritize real, Indigenous-led solutions that promote healing, justice, and reconciliation.
About Indian Residential School Survivor Society
The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) is a non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity dedicated to supporting Indian Residential School Survivors and their families on their healing journey. Established in 1994, IRSSS provides a range of culturally sensitive services, including counselling, advocacy, and community outreach, to address the lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma. As we continue our vital work, we rely on the generosity of donors like you to help us expand our services and reach more individuals in need. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of survivors and their families.