YWCA Niagara Region’s Response to the Discovery of the Kamloops Indian Residential School Victims

July 7 2021

Our hearts break for the 215 children whose remains have been discovered at Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops, B.C. The uncovering of this tragedy reaffirms the truth that so many suspected, but could never prove. While the horrors of residential schools will forever be an abominable part of Canada’s history, Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals across Canada continue to experience the effects of years of racial abuse. Many victims of residential schools continue to live with this trauma to this day.

Now, as the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community (the home community of many of the children) and Indigenous communities across Canada mourn this unthinkable loss, we must continue to educate ourselves about Canada’s shameful history and advocate for a future of Truth and Reconciliation.

We are committed to our efforts towards reconciliation as we work alongside Indigenous community organizations to serve women and families in need throughout Niagara. Our thoughts are with the families of the 215 child victims of Kamloops Indian Residential School and countless others who will forever be impacted by this tragedy.