Salvation Army Employee Connects with Indigenous Roots

Group of people in Salvation Army Hockey jerseys
by British Columbia
Categories: Blog, Community
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For the past four years, Mary McKenzie has worked as a supervisor at our Salvation Army Thrift Store in Bulkley Valley, BC. Mary, who is proudly Wet’suwet’en First Nations, regularly participates in special events hosted by The Salvation Army that specifically celebrates Aboriginal history and culture.

Mary handing out snacks to the people attending a National Aboriginal Day celebration in Smithers.

 

“I appreciate the way they present the opportunity to learn and understand the dramatic history of First Nations peoples,” explains Mary. Like many, she is haunted by the harsh realities of Residential Schools and the challenges faced by her ancestors.

The Salvation Army allows me to share my ideas and always makes me feel proud of who I am.

Mary recently enjoyed an event full of songs, storytelling, and First Nations guest speakers who spoke about new potential ways of healing. For Mary, these events are a great way to meet other Salvation Army employees and see how the organization is taking its first steps at reconciliation.

Mary participating at an event led by Salvation Army employee, Damian Azak, from the Nisga’a Nation.

 

We are honoured to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in BC and across Canada. Every day, we are grateful and feel blessed for the wonderful contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in our communities.

 

Click here to find out more about National Indigenous Peoples Day.