Community message: Kamloops Indian Residential School burial site

The recent news of the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school is heartbreaking. It’s a tragic reminder of the terrible and reprehensible legacy of residential schools and the shameful acts that occurred.

In honour of these 215 children and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors and their families, we will lower the university’s flags for 215 hours (May 31 to June 8). We also invite faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to join Reconciliation Canada’s online gathering on June 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m. ET.

While this news may be shocking, the extent of the poor treatment of Indigenous Peoples is a raw scar that is difficult to heal. We must commit ourselves as an institution and a society to implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation report and address the systemic barriers facing all Indigenous peoples.

We understand that this news may be traumatic for some. If you’re in need of support, please contact:

• The Indigenous Counsellor Advisor for traditional counselling supports. Contact Indigenous@ontariotechu.ca to make an appointment
• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line at 1.800.721.0066
• 24-Hour Crisis Line at 1.866.925.4419