Remembering Residential School Victims
Posted on 06/01/2021
Devastating news was recently shared from Kamloops, British Columbia regarding the discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of at least 215 children on the site of a former residential school. As we begin Indigenous History Month, we are reminded of the extensive work that still needs to be done towards reconciliation, which cannot occur without first recognizing and uncovering the painful truths of our nation's past.
To remember and honour the 215 or more children who lost their lives while attending the former residential school in Kamloops, and all Indigenous children who never returned home, survivors, and their families, Bluewater District School Board has lowered flags at all schools and work sites for 215 hours (nine days). All students and staff have also been encouraged to wear orange during the first week of June, and a moment of silence was planned for 2:15 p.m. on Monday, May 31.
We continue to honour and remember these and the countless other victims of the residential school system, which resulted in the separation of Indigenous children from their families where many faced prolonged discrimination and abuse, and were forcibly denied acknowledgement of their roots and culture.