We were all
horrified to learn this recent news. Please see the following statement from
Premier John Horgan about the burial site at the former Kamloops Indian
Residential School:
“I am horrified
and heartbroken to learn that the burial site of 215 children has been
confirmed on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. I
honour Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc as they grapple with this burden from a dark
chapter of Canadian history and uphold their commitment to complete this
investigation over the coming weeks – bringing to light the full truth of this
loss.
“Each child has
been forever taken from a family and a community that loved them. This is a
tragedy of unimaginable proportions. And it is a stark example of the violence
the Canadian residential school system inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and
how the consequences of these atrocities continue to this day.
“The Tk’emlúps
te Secwépemc people have said they are the caretakers of these children, as
some would have been brought to the residential school from neighbouring
Nations. My thoughts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and all who mourn, as
they enact their cultural protocols to notify First Nations communities whose
children were sent to this school.”
Support
services are available for those affected by this news:
A National
Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for
former Residential School students and those affected. Access emotional and
crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1 866
925-4419.
Within B.C.,
the KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific
crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free from
anywhere in British Columbia. The KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free
at 1 800 588-8717. Alternatively, call direct into the Youth Line at 250
723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250 723-4050, or online: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/”
You can also
view the statement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0039-001034?fbclid=IwAR1m4eYKZqBgF91FiLB5EXLkZBAWO19UnBDTxBg_pswO6aRsl4MFx0Rzd5Y
