The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) is deeply saddened by the horrific news of finding 215 children buried in an unmarked location at the Kamloops Residential School. Our hearts are grieving alongside the children’s families, friends and loved ones.
We are all deeply affected by this and know this tragedy brings many troubling feelings and memories to the surface. We acknowledge the thousands of residential school survivors who are continuing to heal and cope with this tragic lived experience.
Locating this burial ground in Kamloops is one more glaring example of how much Truth and Reconciliation work we have left to do as a nation and as a community. We call on all levels of government to truly commit to the 94 Calls to Action in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
The Indigenous community knows how to move forward. We must continue to lead the way. By bringing truth, respect, support and justice for our people we can continue to heal.
For those who need support right now, or anytime in the future, please call: National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, 1-866-925-4419.