Statement on Discovery of Remains of 215 Children at Kamloops Residential School
May 31, 2021
The discovery of remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School is heartbreaking. It is a reminder of the harm that Indigenous families experienced as a result of colonial policy, which forcefully removed Indigenous children from their communities.
I am thinking of all the families who are impacted by this painful news, and who are mourning the loss of these innocent children.
As a country, we must do more to advance reconciliation, by implementing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and by supporting survivors, their families and communities.
In honour of the 215 children whose lives were taken at Kamloops Residential School and all the Indigenous children who never made it home, the flags on Parliament Hill and all federal buildings will be flown at half-mast, as we grieve this tragedy.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24/7 to provide support services at 1-866-925-4419.
