Across Boundaries is devastated that the bodies of 215 Indigenous children were found on the grounds of the “Kamloops Indian Residential School” in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory.
According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, at least 150,000 Indigenous children attended Canada’s 139 residential schools from the late 1800s to 1997. Thousands of children who went to these schools never returned home to their families.
This is yet another horrifying example of colonial violence, which is still causing pain, grief and ongoing trauma for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.
Unfortunately, this is just the beginning. It is estimated that at least 4,100 children died while at these schools across Canada — more than one in 50 students — and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission estimates the actual toll could be 6,000 or higher.
We are aware of the impact colonial actions, including residential schools, have had on Indigenous Peoples. We believe that more than symbolic gestures are needed to address the tragedy.
We are committed to standing with and advocating for reconciliation with the Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples across Canada and to seeing the calls to action made by Indigenous communities across Canada and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are acted upon.
Aseefa Sarang
Executive Director