UFV statement on Kamloops Indigenous victims
Trigger Warning//past trauma, death, residential school experience//
The following post includes description of the fate of Indigenous children in British Columbia. This content may be disturbing and you may wish to avoid reading further if this will be upsetting.
Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866 925-4419.
The University of the Fraser Valley offers our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of the 215 victims confirmed at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on Thursday, May 27, 2021. We offer our condolences to all Indigenous people impacted by this news.
Many of the victims and survivors of this residential school were from communities on S’olh Temexw across the Fraser Valley and have been considered missing – their deaths undocumented for over 60 years. While this recent development may bring some level of closure and peace to those close to the victims, the lasting impact of the genocide against Indigenous people and the horrific legacy of residential schools remain.
These victims will join the growing list of over 4100 documented children on the National Residential School Memorial Registrar who died while attending residential schools across Canada. The University of the Fraser Valley remains steadfast in its commitment towards addressing the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to fostering an educational system that redresses the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples.
If you need help or support, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national 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. It’s toll-free and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717 or online at kuu-uscrisisline.com.
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Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 First Nation statement on this finding and confirmation.
