In Response to the Discovery of Missing Children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School

Please note this may be difficult for some to read.

Our hearts and sympathies go out to the families and communities impacted by the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The work to find the children has been led by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation along with ceremonial Knowledge Keepers. The discovery reminds us again of the violence and brutality inflicted on Indigenous children, families, and communities through the Residential School system. We are all called to bear witness and confront the impact of Canada’s colonial structures, the historic and ongoing racism that are leveled against Indigenous People in Canada.

 

J. Evin Jones, Executive Director, on behalf of PAN staff and Board of Directors

 


National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1 866 925-4419

Within BC, 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/

Press release from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation

Union of BC Indian Chiefs Mourns with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Residential School Survivors and all First Nations

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, section on Missing Children and Burial Information (see 71-76)

Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials. The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume 4

Statement from BC Premier John Horgan