Statement from Dean Gladue, MNBC Director for Region 3 (Thompson – Okanagan):
“Like everyone in our community of Kamloops, I was shocked and abhorred to see that the remains of 215 children were found at the site of a former residential school. It saddens and pains me to know these children were taken from their home and never returned. The anguish their families must have felt. The pain of this news is real and hits home, as my mother, who is a proud Métis woman, was forced into these schools. She, like many other Indigenous children, could have met the same fate. This institution was sanctioned by our government and the Catholic Church. How many more of our children lay in unmarked graves? We still have so much healing to do in this country.”
Statement from Lissa Dawn Smith, MNBC Acting President:
“The entire MNBC Board of Directors stands with the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc through these difficult and challenging times. Residential schools and their history remain an open wound in Indigenous communities across this country. While painful, uncovering the truth remains vital for reconciliation.”
Support services are available for those affected by this news:
- 24 hour/7 days a week Métis Crisis line at 1-833-Metis-BC (1-833-638-4722)
- A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1 866 925-4419.
- 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, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. The KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1 800 588-8717. Alternatively, call direct into the Youth Line at 250 723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250 723-4050, or online: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/