A message from the VCC Indigenous Education and Community Engagement Department and VCC’s President

The 215 Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation children buried at a former Indian Residential School in Kamloops is a sad and stark reminder of the trauma that continues for Indigenous residential school survivors and their families. Our healing is not complete and our collective work in supporting this healing is far from over.

The damaging and lasting impacts that the residential school system continues to have on First Nations people, their families and communities cannot be understated. We have to face our history, not just acknowledge it.

Today, we call out to our Ancestors for care and healing for the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, and for all the Indigenous families and communities across Canada that have lost their children.

This news is difficult and deeply emotional. For those who need to talk or get support the National Residential School Crisis Line for former students can be accessed 24-Hours a day at: 1-866-925-4419

VCC Indigenous Education and Community Engagement Department

 

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We at VCC are deeply saddened to learn of the 215 children buried at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

I would also like to echo words of healing from VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement Department, and the reminder that our work towards reconciliation and truth is not done.

VCC is resilient in our commitment to the work of Truth and Reconciliation, as we face such a dark history, that we are painfully reminded of today.

Ajay Patel
President and CEO
Vancouver Community College