The news of the first remains found of 215 Indigenous children at a former residential school in Kamloops, BC on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory sadly reminds us that history not only includes achievement and pride but tragedy and sorrow. The continued discovery of more remains across British Columbia is a stark reminder of the systemic racism that has been faced by Indigenous peoples throughout Canadian history. These events are not limited to history but are a living personal and intergenerational traumas that many of our neighbours, friends and family face today.

As June marks National Indigenous History Month, we renew our stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples across Canada as they face the trauma caused by the Canadian government and the Church not only through residential schools but through any forms of colonialism, systemic racism or violence. We as an organization have a responsibility to the ancestors of this land to do better: to continue to address, promote understanding and create change to improve the situation of the Indigenous peoples today. We realize that when the past is forgotten, it is repeated.

Resources and services for Indigenous people and places to donate to support reconciliation:

The survivors’ crisis line is open 24 hours a day & 7 days a week: 1-800–721–0066
Native Women’s Association of Canada: http://www.nwac.ca/donate
Reconciliation Canada: http://www.reconciliationcanada.ca/get-involved/donate/
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: http://www.downiewenjack.ca/support-us/
The Legacy of Hope Foundation: http://www.legacyofhope.ca/
Indian Residential School Survivors Society – http://www.irsss.ca