Standing Together
Kamloops Residential School Response
Trigger warning: Residential Schools
We stand in support with our Indigenous friends, neighbours, partners and community members across Canada affected by the discovery of remains of more than 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School located within the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation community.
We acknowledge this will have a significant impact on all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across our country. Taking care of all your relations during this time is of the utmost importance. We honour the lives of the Indigenous children who died in residential schools, the children who survived but continue to carry scars from their experiences, and the families who were forever altered.
With June 1st marking the beginning of National Indigenous History Month, Encompass celebrates the rich history, culture and diversity of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. Our agency is dedicated to doing the work in our own learning and towards reconciliation.
If you or someone you know are triggered by this event, please reach out and contact the following resources:
As Canadians we are called upon to take action — to learn, share, and to build a better country together. Here are some resources for settlers and allies:
We stand in support with our Indigenous friends, neighbours, partners and community members across Canada affected by the discovery of remains of more than 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School located within the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation community.
We acknowledge this will have a significant impact on all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across our country. Taking care of all your relations during this time is of the utmost importance. We honour the lives of the Indigenous children who died in residential schools, the children who survived but continue to carry scars from their experiences, and the families who were forever altered.
With June 1st marking the beginning of National Indigenous History Month, Encompass celebrates the rich history, culture and diversity of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. Our agency is dedicated to doing the work in our own learning and towards reconciliation.
If you or someone you know are triggered by this event, please reach out and contact the following resources:
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
- 24-hour KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 604-985-4464 or 1-800-721-0066
As Canadians we are called upon to take action — to learn, share, and to build a better country together. Here are some resources for settlers and allies:
- The Langley Literacy Network has compiled a list of resources and actions
- Read the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and commit yourself to the actions in it
- Educate yourself. Dig into the materials at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Take a free course, like this one offered by the University of Alberta
- Teach your kids. Some good resources here from First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
- Donate to residential school survivors in British Columbia
- Contact BC’s Premier: email Premier@gov.bc.ca or call 250-397-1715
Our Commitment Against Racism
As an organization, we have always advocated for inclusion and diversity. We are taking this time to pause, to listen more, to speak less, and to reflect. In being allies, we commit to educating ourselves to deconstruct discriminatory narratives, and to truly understand the role we play in this journey working towards change.
