The announcement in May 2021 by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc of a mass, unmarked grave of 215 children who were students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School came with the expectation of similar discoveries at other locations.
We are, nevertheless, shocked and horrified at the news of the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan, as announced by the Cowessess First Nation. I know the entire Camosun community stands with me in grief and sadness.
Sadly, we can expect similar news to keep coming to light in other communities. It is heart breaking to think that so many Indigenous children lost their lives after being separated from their families, communities and cultures.
The provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific 24-hour crisis services toll-free in British Columbia. KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Individuals can call the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.
The Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for former students and those affected at 1-866-925-4419.
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Rodney Porter
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing̽