Taken Tribute

Posted on June 5, 2021

As news of the discovery of the remains of 215 First Nations children found on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School became public, a deeply grounded ache and mourning filled our minds, bodies, and spirits. First Nations peoples have great grandparents, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles and cousins who attended residential schools; it has touched us all and is part of us. Residential schools had such a profoundly negative impact on our students, children, families, and communities and that experience resonates over lifetimes for generations. First Nations are at varying levels of healing and will be for some time. It is time to let our voices be heard, it is time to share words of undying love and celebrate that our “taken” children from Kamloops Indian Residential School were brought into the light to be held up, respected, and acknowledged.

For those needing support:

Indian Residential School Survivors 24 hr Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 if you require further emotional support or assistance.

Emotional, cultural, and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. Services can be accessed on an individual, family, or group basis, https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581971225188/1581971250953