A Statement on the Discovery of 215 Unmarked Children’s Graves at the Former Kamloops Residential School Site in British Columbia, Canada

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada mourns with the families of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and all the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (Canada) following the discovery of 215 unmarked children’s graves at the former site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. This horrific event reminds us of the troubled relationship that Canada continues to navigate with the Indigenous Nations who pre-existed its founding. It presents an opportunity to recognize the truth of past and present injustices, to see the resilience of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and together embark on a process of reconciliation to create a better Canada for all.

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419. Click here to read a Globe and Mail news report.

Resources for Reconciliation:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/

The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: http://trc.ca/

Project of Heart: https://projectofheart.ca/what-is-project-of-heart/resources/

Facing History: https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library?search=indigenous