“In the heart of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation reserve lies a seemingly unremarkable empty lot, but Andrea Aleck sees beyond the surface. Inspired by conversations with community Elders, Aleck envisions transforming this space into a residential school memorial park and garden.
Honoring Indigenous History and Resilience
Aleck’s motivation stems from a deep respect for the history of Tsleil-Waututh Nation and all Indigenous people. The park is intended to serve as a gathering place to pay respects to residential school survivors, both those who never made it home and those still living within the community. It is a tribute to their resilience and a recognition of their ability to survive such a dark chapter in history.
The Vision for the Memorial Park
The proposed memorial park will occupy the vacant lot between Alder Court and Takaya Drive, featuring not only a garden space but also areas for ceremonies, storytelling, and wild spaces filled with native evergreen trees. Memorial plaques, carvings, and covered areas will be incorporated into the design to provide a tranquil space for reflection and healing.
A Symbol of Reconciliation and Education
The memorial park aligns with Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s five-year food sovereignty vision and strategy, incorporating a community garden, hydroponics farm, and orchard. Chief and council have already approved these components, highlighting the park’s role in promoting reconciliation and educating people from diverse backgrounds about Indigenous history and culture.
Looking Towards the Future
While the project awaits funding and a builder, Aleck estimates that it could take around two years to complete. The recent discoveries of unmarked graves at residential school sites across Canada have shed light on the system’s dark legacy, emphasizing the importance of spaces like the memorial park for healing and education. Aleck envisions the park as a beacon of hope, bringing communities together and serving as a key milestone on the journey towards reconciliation.
As Tsleil-Waututh Nation opens bids for the project until May 24, the hope is that this memorial park will stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, while also serving as a crucial educational resource for generations to come.”
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