A message from UFV Provost and Vice-President Academic,

The recent discovery of the remains of Indigenous children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School once again bears witness to the lasting impact and responsibility that residential schools have in the genocide committed against Indigenous people. The 215 victims join the growing list of over 4100 documented children on the National Residential School Memorial Registrar who died while attending residential schools across Canada. UFV remains steadfast in redressing atrocities committed by educational institutions by committing the University to authentic truth and reconciliation. Please refer to UFV’s public statement and commitment.

These horrific acts have been a reality for Indigenous people for a very long time in Canada. Many brave individuals have shared their experiences: what they saw, heard, and witnessed in residential schools for many decades and generations. For survivors, for those who have supported and walked alongside the survivors, and for those who have represented the voices of the victims, Thursday’s discovery has been particularly difficult. We want you to know that we hear you, we see you, and we stand with you now as we continue to work together towards truth and reconciliation.

If you need support, the KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous-specific crisis line that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s toll-free and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717 or online at kuu-uscrisisline.com.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line also provides help. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

Sincerely,

Dr. James Mandigo