Statement on remains of 215 children found at former residential school in BC
The discovery of the bodies of 215 children at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, BC is beyond heartbreaking.
Those are 215 stolen children who did not survive the horrors of the residential school system; a system many others had to endure and continue to recover from. Some never will.
Learning and speaking the truth is the first step toward truth and reconciliation. Collectively, we all must learn about and acknowledge these atrocities, which have been hidden for far too many years. While residential schools are now in the past, it’s not a distant past and the effects will be felt for generations to come.
Sadly, we know these are not the only children lost. Today we lowered our flags for these 215 children. People are invited to place shoes at a now growing memorial in Civic Square. The Cambridge sign will be lit orange to send a strong message that every child matters.
We must seek the truth as we work through truth and reconciliation efforts.
The painful truth is that the residential school system was part of an intentional genocide against First Nations people.
In sorrow,
Mayor Kathryn McGarry
Deputy Mayor Mike Mann
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If you are in crisis, the Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada 24/7. Call 1-855-242-3310 or visit hopeforwellness.ca.
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