Open Letter to Premiere David Eby,
We, the New Denver Survivors (undersigned) would like to commend Attorney General Niki Sharma, Minister Katrine Conroy, Roly Russell MLA and Brittny Anderson MLA on a meaningful apology delivered in person in a respectful manner on Feb. 1 and 2 of this year in both Castlegar and Grand Forks, B.C.
Premiere Eby, it is imperative we bring to your attention a significant error communicated in the apology. It is stated in the apology that “Further building on this apology, the Province of British Columbia will be contributing $10 million in funding to support legacy initiatives recommended by the Sons of Freedom community to help provide a deeper understanding of the impact of historical injustices…”
This statement is incorrect and misleading.
It is important for you to understand that the Sons of Freedom community did not provide any recommendations to government officials or Selkirk College regarding legacy initiatives. Recommendations in the form of a proposal were developed by Mr. Greg Cran and a New Denver survivor who has now since deceased. We understand that there were a few other Doukhobor individuals involved, however that small number cannot speak for an entire community.
The majority of the New Denver survivors were unaware of any recommendations put forward toward a compensation package and legacy fund. We were not consulted. We did not have any discussions with government officials or others about compensation and/or legacy initiatives.
We remain very disappointed in the concealed process that led to the legacy fund and compensation package brought forward by the Province of BC. We do not agree with the BC government moving forward with the agreement without our participation.
We ask you to amend the incorrect statement. This can be done by simply eliminating any reference to the Sons of Freedom community recommending legacy initiatives. This is an appeal for transparency, clarity and honesty.
We trust you will regard our appeal and make the necessary correction for the Feb. 27 reading in the legislature.
Furthermore, we request that you initiate and support New Denver Survivor involvement when it comes to how funding will be structured and how decision making and distribution of funding will occur.
Sincerely,
Walter Perepelkin, Joe Sherstobitoff, Walter Rezansoff, Walter Swetlishoff, Peter Makonin, Tina Makonin, Lawrence Poznikoff, Katie Perepolkin, George Barisoff, Nettie Barisoff, Shirley Relkoff, Cecil Jmio, Angie Jmio, Gaston Parkin, Fred Sherstobitoff, Elaine Sherstobitoff, Larry Tomlin, Elsie Erickson, Fred Hoodicoff, Laura Powell, Elsie Ozeroff, Vera Lapshinoff, Bill Barisoff, Betty Wasilenkoff and Naida Hamoline
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