31 May Kamloops 2021 Statement
The Aboriginal Children’s Hurt and Healing Initiative (ACHH) team expresses our sincere condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Residential School survivors, their families and community, as well as all Indigenous Peoples impacted by the dreadful discovery of the mass grave of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indigenous Residential School (IRS).
The legacy of the IRS has played a devastating role in destabilizing the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples who attended IRS and their descendants, and respective communities who are still impacted.
The horrific news of this mass grave has been re-traumatizing to Indigenous Peoples, yet most unfortunately, not surprising and further validation of the link between this appalling past and ongoing, current day harm.
ACHH is led by Indigenous communities to find ways to heal and actively address the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG2S Calls to Justice and Canadian Pain Task Force Indigenous-specific recommendations. ACHH is strongly advocating for Federal and Provincial governments to immediately implement actionable calls and recommendations to support healing services for communities that are determined by communities.
Indigenous Peoples in this nation need time to mourn the children, time to heal and help to support communities to bring their children home.