A message from President Joanne MacLean:
The University of the Fraser Valley is upset to hear of an incident resulting in people being injured during a peaceful march in Mission to raise awareness about the painful legacy of residential schools.
On Saturday, June 4, the Crazy Indians Brotherhood and supporters were marching from Fraser Valley Heritage Park to the former St. Mary’s Residential School. Part of the march was along the Lougheed Highway, with traffic controls in place. It has been reported that four participants were struck and injured by a vehicle and two of the injured were taken to hospital.
We wish those who were injured a quick and complete recovery and extend sympathy, courage, and strength to those who were in attendance and witnessed the incident.
For students who find themselves affected by this event, please know that UFV has the following resources available:
- The Indigenous Student Centre is available at both Chilliwack (A1444) and Abbotsford (S1113) for student support from peers, student supporters, and Elders.
- Our counselling supports can be accessed by calling 604-854-4528 (Abbotsford, room B214) or 604-795-2808 (Chilliwack, room A1318), stopping at either office to speak to one of our front desk staff, or you can email us to book an appointment. You can also access UFV Counselling’s Self-Care Tool Kit and a list of community supports that are available.
- Our student support team is also available to support students. You can connect with the Student Support Team by filling out a self-referral form here: https://ufv-advocate.symplicity.com/care_report.
- If you need a quiet space to reflect or pray, the multi-faith space at Abbotsford (S3102) is available 7 am-11 pm any day that UFV is open, and the Student Life Lounge (S1111) is open during regular business hours with supports nearby.
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 is toll-free and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717 or online at kuu-uscrisisline.com.
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