It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the horrific discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the Indian Residential School in Kamloops.
To honour those who suffered trauma and harm at the former residential school in Kamloops, and their families and communities who are mourning, all School District 48 schools have lowered the Canadian flag to half-mast until further notice. As a sign of solidarity and continued action towards Truth and Reconciliation, we are honouring our local nations by coming together to wear orange in some way beginning today, May 31st until June 9th, a period representing 215 hours.
We continue to reflect on the news from Tk‘emlups te Secwepemc and our thoughts are with all those touched by this tragedy. This is a grim reminder of the trauma of the residential school system and the impacts that remain in our country today.
Resources are also available to support the community as we struggle to process this national tragedy:
Mental health Supports for Staff and Students:
- Healing and wellness resources | Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (ubc.ca) (This link provides self-care strategies, several embedded links for students, survivors and family members, community members and Indigenous peoples)
- First Nations Health Authority (fnha.ca) (Comprehensive supports varying from traditional healing, mental wellness, tips guides and resources)
- NEW MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS FOR MÉTIS PEOPLE IN BC – Métis Nation British Columbia (mnbc.ca)(Pilot program providing Métis youth and adults in B.C. with funding for counselling)
- PUBLICATION-Mental-Health-and-Resiliency-Supports-2020-05-01b.pdf (fnesc.ca)(Comprehensive list of Mental Health and Resiliency supports from FNESC)
24/7 supports:
- KUU-US Crisis Line 1-800-588-8717
- Indian Residential School Survivors and Family1-866-925-4419, Mon – Fri, 8am – 8 pm PT:Weekends, 10 am – 2pm PT
- Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society 1-888-403-3123
British Columbia Resources:
- Aboriginal Wellness Program 604-675-2551 or 1-866-884-0888
- Canadian Mental Health Association - British Columbia Division 1-800-555-8222
- HeretoHelp1-800-661-2121
National Crisis Hotlines:
- Kids Help Phone1-800-668-6868
- Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line1‑855‑242-3310