Indian Residential School at T’Kemlups te Secwepemc

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre (NTHC) mourns with the Secwepemc Nation with the announcement of having located the unmarked graves of 215 children of the residential school on their territory. It is heartbreaking to receive this information and we collectively grieve for all children that did not return home from residential schools. This tragic discovery reaffirms the voices and grievances of our Elders and survivors about the realities of residential schools.

The NTHC Board of Directors call upon on all levels of governments to join us in implementation of the 94 recommendations of Truth and Reconciliation (TRC). This report represents the summary findings of interviews with survivors of residential schools and asks for all persons to be part of the path forward towards reconciliation. The healing journey starts by acknowledging the real history of all residential schools and impacts it has had upon past and present generations of Indigenous peoples.

While we still wait for implementation of Truth and Reconciliation report, our allies can help by:

• Learning about the Residential Schools in Canada;
• Read the TRC report;
• Advocate for movement to your local elected officials;
• Stand up to stereotypes, systemic racism and discrimination;
• Be a voice of change with your family and friends;
• Support Indigenous-led organizations

The Indigenous peoples today are survivors of attempted genocide; we are still healing from the trauma of this deliberate measures to eradicate us. Indigenous peoples are survivors, we are resilient and our strength comes from our families, communities and culture. While the discovery of 215 children is a painful reality for many Indigenous peoples, we are strong nations across Turtle Island and the Creator will continue to guide our healing journeys.

Grieve with us, be angry with us, but please join us in being allies in our healing journeys forward,

In solidarity,

Chief Linda Debassige,
NTHC Board Chair