Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner, has released the following statement about the discovery of a burial site at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School:
“On Thursday, the BC Coroners Service was advised by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc about the discovery of a burial site located adjacent to the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. We are early in the process of gathering information and will continue to work collaboratively with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and others as this sensitive work progresses.
“We recognize the tragic, heartbreaking devastation that the Canadian residential school system has inflicted upon so many, and our thoughts are with all of those who are in mourning today.”
While this a great tragedy that 215 children were found in a mass grave. It goes deeper these children are victims of a system that promises racism and limitations to all who are not of the privileged group. This discovery should be a sign that we need to find equality. We need to put to our government not to simply investigate but that and end should be too racist behaviours and policy in our social systems. The system that killed these children is still evident today. The laws that allowed this to happen are still embedded in our society and need change.
Justin Trudeau our Prime Minister made a statement about how this was an appalling act but we need to see how he will enact change to the systemic racist policies that exist. The action of the elected officials will show truth about how equality is seen in government.
Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement about the burial site at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School:
“I am horrified and heartbroken to learn that the burial site of 215 children has been confirmed on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. I honour Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc as they grapple with this burden from a dark chapter of Canadian history and uphold their commitment to complete this investigation over the coming weeks – bringing to light the full truth of this loss.
“Each child has been forever taken from a family and a community that loved them. This is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. And it is a stark example of the violence the Canadian residential school system inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and how the consequences of these atrocities continue to this day.
“The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people have said they are the caretakers of these children, as some would have been brought to the residential school from neighbouring Nations. My thoughts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and all who mourn, as they enact their cultural protocols to notify First Nations communities whose children were sent to this school.”
Support for families can be found at https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/
