Kamloops Residential School

A Message from Randolph College

 

June 1, 2021

Dear RCPA Community, 

Every child matters. Indigenous children matter. Indigenous lives matter. 

We are deeply saddened by last Thursday’s confirmation of the burial site of 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. May we know their stories, and grieve for the lives they should have led.  

Residential schools operated for more than a century as an affiliation between the Canadian government and major churches, with the last school closing only in 1996. For much of that time, Indigenous children were forcibly removed to schools that sought to break their ties to their families, communities, and culture. The devastating legacy of the Indian residential school system has affected nearly every Indigenous family and the effects on communities continue today. (University of British Columbia & Ono, 2018) 

We at Randolph College recognize that we are settlers on this land who have benefited from the privileges of colonization. Reparations are our shared responsibility, and we will continue to commit to the work that is necessary to uphold and uplift the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island. We must stand up. We must act. There is too much work to do, and silence and complacency is not an option. 

On Wednesday, June 2nd at 2:15pm, the Randolph Community will be connected in a shared moment of peace in memory of those who were taken and in support of those who continue to suffer the devastation caused by this system. Wherever you are in the world, we graciously invite you to join us. 

We acknowledge the trauma, grief, anger and sadness that this news will unearth for many in our community, and have compiled a list of resources below. Students in need of assistance in accessing these resources or help in locating local resources are encouraged to connect with the Office of Student Services at studentservices@randolphcollege.ca. We’ve also collected some educational content to explore. Whether you are seeking to learn more about the 634 First Nations across Turtle Island, or asking what you can do to help Indigenous communities find justice in the face of this and other tragedies, one of the links below can help you get started. 

In respect and solidarity, 

O’neil Edwards 
Executive Director 

Janelle Cooper 
Artistic Director 

Laura East 
Director of Student Services 

Erynn Brook
Program Coordinator 

 

Educational Resources 

Free, online course titled, “Indigenous Canada” through the University of Alberta: https://www.coursera.org/learn/indigenous-canada  

“Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/  

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation:  https://nctr.ca/records/reports/  

ON Canada Project: Settlers Take Action: https://oncanadaproject.ca/settlerstakeaction  

 

Support Resources 

  • A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419 

  • British Columbia has a First Nations and Indigenous Crisis Line offered through the KUU-US Crisis Line Society, toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. 

  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 

  • Service is available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, English and French. 

  • Anishnawbe 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Management Service: 416-891-8606 (Aboriginal clients) not only promotes Traditional Aboriginal practices but has affirmed and placed them at its core. Its model of health care is based on Traditional practices and approaches and are reflected in the design of its programs and services. 

If you or someone you know is dealing with emotional distress 

 

Reference 

University of British Columbia, & Ono, S. (2018, April 9). Statement of Apology [Press release]. https://president.ubc.ca/homepage-feature/2018/04/09/statement-of-apology/