CEIU expresses the horror and chagrin of its members at the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School, as well as its support for the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation whose people have been tragically marked by these deaths.

“The Indian Residential School system was an enormous crime against Indigenous peoples, and this is a tragic reminder that Canada has yet to even uncover the full truth of what was done,” said CEIU National President Eddy Bourque. “Truth is an essential part of the process of reconciliation and healing, and there must be a real commitment from the federal government to fully implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”

Thousands of children died across Canada in Indian Residential Schools, and the generational trauma continues to deeply affect communities today.

A 24-hour national Indian Residential School crisis line can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.