Trudeau to visit Kamloops after skipping First Nations ceremony for surfing trip

Chief & Council and the 13 Grassroots Families have invited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the community on Monday, October 18, 2021," a statement reads. "He will be in attendance at the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc PowWow Arbour from 12pm – 2pm and TteS members are invited to attend. This is NOT a public event and is only open to TteS Members."

The community had invited Trudeau twice to mark Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Instead, Trudeau spent the day surfing in Tofino, which he later apologized for. The First Nations community said they felt "insulted" by Trudeau, who not only did not attend, but neglected to even respond to the invitation.

"Reconciliation starts with action. Real action and change is needed that supports healing, the revitalization of our language, culture, traditions, and ways of knowing," the First Nation said in a statement.