Statement on Kamloops Indian Residential School

The Department of Political Studies mourns the loss of the 215 children found in an unmarked mass grave at a Kamloops, B.C., Indian Residential School. The Department echoes the statement issued by Queen’s University on the discovery of the bodies and extends support to all those affected.

Queen’s student and faculty member Kimberley Debassige has organized an initiative at City Hall to honour the memory of the 215 Indigenous children discovered in Kamloops. Message from Kimberley Debassige:

"Please join us at City Hall throughout the day to honour our children. We ask that you bring children's shoes or moccasins to place on the steps of City Hall. If you do not have shoes, please bring your medicines, wear orange, and participate in a way that is meaningful to you. We will be there throughout the day with a moment of silence happening at 2:15 PM. We ask that you respect COVID-19 protocols and ensure that you are social distancing and that no more than 5-10 people are gathered at a time. We hope that this can be a way to honour our loved ones and create a space for healing and community."

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is now available to those affected by the residential school system. Emotional and crisis referral services have been made available through this 24-hour phone line, which is dedicated to supporting former residential school students as well as all those who have been affected. To access the National Crisis Line, please call 1-866-925-4419.

The full statement from the university can be read on the Queen’s University Gazette site. The Whig has also issued an article providing further context and information on the tragic discovery.