‘Keeping my word’; Kamloops MLA Milobar speaks out against residential school denialism in BC legislature

KAMLOOPS — After a BC Conservative MLA decided to stand by her comments and defy a request from leader John Rustad to remove her social post surrounding the language used when talking about unknown discoveries on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, Kamloops Centre Conservative MLA Peter Milobar rose in the legislature Tuesday (Feb. 25) to address denialism.

“Trying to conduct myself and be good to my word,” stated Milobar during debate on the Throne Speech.

Milobar utilized his allotted time on Tuesday in B.C.’s legislature to address a rise in residential school denialism, speaking to his connection to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

“A very respected former Kukpi7, Manny Jules, who I have considered a friend for many years now, point blank asked me.. ‘What will you do in the face of denialism? What will you do in the chamber? Will you be our voice to push back against that?’ And I flat out said, ‘Yes, I absolutely would,’” said Milobar.

His speech comes just days after his Conservative colleague Dallas Brodie posted about the confirmation at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

“I wouldn’t be true to my commitments if I didn’t take opportunities like that have presented, unfortunately, over the last week or so out there to make sure people understand exactly where I stand on things,” added Milobar.

The BC Union of Indian Chiefs have called for an apology from Brodie, something they have not received a response to, with Brodie stating she was only looking for the truth. The organization calls that a ‘smokescreen,’ saying we need break the cycle of intergenerational racism.

“Their efforts to cover their reason for making this ugly hurtful remarks is always free speech, attempting to get to the truth. But in reality, they are racist to the core,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

While Phillip applauded Milobar for his commitment and well-intended stance displayed on Tuesday, he spoke to what he believes is systemic issues in the Conservative caucus under Rustad.

“You know, it’s a very toxic environment under the Rustad regime and his MLAs. Without question, they have been instructed to be as obnoxious, as offensive and racist and they can possibly be in that protected environment,” Phillip told CFJC News.

[Ed. note: Phillip’s wife, Joan Phillip, is a BC NDP MLA.]

Milobar concluded by saying he owed it to his family and constituents to stand up for what he believes.

“To those back home that I have made commitments to, in terms of keeping my word, standing up and speaking out and making it very clear where I stand on certain issues. I want the Tk’emlups membership to know, I want the rest of my constituents to know. I know there will be many, unfortunately, who don’t agree with me and that’s okay, I guess. We will try to bring people along this journey,” said Milobar.

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For more information:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Support Resources:

• KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
• Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-866-403-3123
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066
• 24hr National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419