London Drugs in Prince George is respectfully acknowledging the unceded ancestral lands of Lheidi T’enneh.
A ‘respectful acknowledgement’ pledge was given by COO of London Drugs Clint Mahlman and in return Lheildi T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan presented London Drugs with a plaque to be displayed in the store.
Mahlman said the Parkwood store team became aware of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation’s respectful acknowledgement program when groups like the Pediatricians in Prince George and the Save-on-Foods store in Pine Centre pledged to respectfully acknowledge that they live, work and play in the unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.
He said London Drugs then reached out to Chief Logan to ask if they could do the same and the answer was an enthusiastic yes.
“Like all Canadians, we're becoming aware of Canada's history with all our Indigenous people and the truth of that history that has been revealed that has not been positive in the past,” said Mahlman.
“London Drugs, we feel that it's our responsibility, all businesses responsibility, and all individuals to understand the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation committee and to live up to taking action on those recommended calls to action.”
He said London Drugs takes actions by talking to Indigenous leaders and learning more about what the company can do. Mahlman added that they have a committee and advisory group of Indigenous employees that work to make sure Indigenous peoples are offered employment opportunities.
He said they also work to make sure that management understand how to work effectively with Indigenous people in their communities and to understand Canada’s history and restrictions that the Indian Act created.
“We continue to go on this voyage of learning together with Indigenous leaders, and we're very excited to continue to learn in a respectful and humble way.”
Chief Logan said she was thrilled to have another business in the community respectfully acknowledge the nations ancestral lands.
“First Nations people get very excited when they see the sign,” said Logan, adding that she got a lot of texts celebrating when the sign at the Save-on-Foods location was installed.
“And everyone comes to London Drugs so and they'll see and then it's more pride […] This is why we're doing it is for our community to get recognition because we've been here for over 9000 years, and there was a big huge gap where there was no acknowledgement but now it's partnerships and friendships.”
The sign will be displayed at a prominent location within the store.
