Together Against Hate – Kwantlen Cultural Centre Visit 

As part of the Together Against Hate Community Initiative, LET’S participated in a hosted tour, talk, and lunch at the Kwantlen Cultural Centre with Elder Kevin Kelly. The visit brought together participants committed to deepening their understanding of land, history, and relationships with First Nations communities. Through storytelling, teaching, and shared time on the land, Elder Kelly guided the group in reflecting on what it means to move beyond symbolic gestures toward real accountability and solidarity.

The day offered an opportunity to connect this learning to our disability justice work, recognizing that struggles against ableism, colonialism, and racism are deeply intertwined. Participants spoke about how being physically present, listening, and witnessing together felt different from reading about these issues at a distance – and how this kind of relational learning can reshape how we show up in our own communities and organizations.

Sumaiyyah Adam, Program Manager, BUILD BC-Yukon, shared the following after the event:

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you who joined us this Saturday. Your presence, openness, and willingness to engage are what truly bring this work to life”.

This work comes from something deeper. It comes from knowing that increasing our understanding of land, of history, of one another creates stronger pathways forward. Not just for awareness, but for action. When we deepen our knowledge, we strengthen our ability to carry this work forward alongside First Nations communities.

We know this does not end here. We are committed to continuing to strengthen our relationships with our First Nations neighbors and partners, guided by protocol, respect, and right relationship to the land.

For those who were able to join us, thank you for making the visit so meaningful. After connecting with each of you, we were reminded just how valuable in-person learning can be. We are grateful that you gave your Saturday to be present with open hearts and a readiness to listen and reflect. Many shared that they left feeling more connected to the land, to community, and to Kwantlen Nation.

It brought our team great joy to hear Elder Kevin Kelly’s reflections afterward. He shared how much he appreciated being in a space with individuals who were genuinely respectful and committed to widening the circle of learning and solidarity. We extend our deep gratitude to him for his generosity, wisdom, and presence.