From Sherri Bell, President
Our hearts go out to Indigenous communities with the revealing of hundreds of Indigenous children’s remains on the grounds of former residential schools in Canada.
Over the last month, there have been 215 reveals in Kamloops by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, 751 reveals in Saskatchewan by Cowessess Nation and now 182 reveals in Cranbrook by the community of ʔaq'am within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation.
We know reveals will come to light in more communities. It is heartbreaking to think that so many Indigenous children lost their lives after being separated from their families, communities and cultures.
As a community college, Camosun offers our support and a promise to continue to provide students and employees with the opportunity to improve their understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples. Additionally, the college is committed to learning more about why and how this happened, and how to adequately respond.
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides 24-hour phone support for Indigenous people in B.C. KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Individuals can call the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.
The Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for former students and those affected at 1-866-925-4419.
Contact information
Rodney Porter
Executive Director, Communications & Marketing