Dear colleagues,
We are devastated by the uncovering of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, which was in operation from 1890 to 1969. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and to all survivors and families impacted by Canada’s residential school system. This tragic news is a heartbreaking reminder that although the last residential school closed in 1996, the inter-generational trauma of this part of Canadian history continues to this day.
We acknowledge and share the grief felt by many across our network. Tragedies such as this impact all of us differently and it is important to take care of each other at this time. If you need support, please know that resources are available:
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066
- 24-Hour Indian Residential School National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
- KUU-US Crisis Line and website: 1-800-588-8717 / https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com
We encourage everyone to stop and reflect in their own way on this news and their role in addressing prejudice and systemic racism. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is an essential source of information on the impacts of the Indian Residential School System as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action.
We honour the memory of all whose lives were lost, and we acknowledge the resilience of the survivors and their families.
Craig Settee, IPERC Coordinator
Heather Harris, Executive Director, Can-SOLVE CKD Network
Connect with us