I am sharing my shock and grief as I absorb the magnitude of the news that the remains of 215 children were found on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in a mass grave on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. This loss has far reaching effects on families and communities, and I offer compassion for the children who did not survive, and compassion for the survivors.
I am humbled as I reflect on MacEwan University’s journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, and I acknowledge and embrace the significant work the University still has ahead. This tragedy is a reminder of the commitment held in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We are called to our commitment to recognizing this history and its impacts to our teaching and research and the learning that results.
As we take the time to pause and reflect, we must also recognize the immediate effects this news has on our community. Alberta had the highest number of residential schools. Edmonton is home to one of the largest urban Indigenous communities. The legacy of residential schools is living history within our communities.
While we grieve together, we recognize there are members of our Indigenous community who are directly affected. I encourage us all to think on how we can help each other as we navigate the significant effects of this tragedy. We must continue having these difficult conversations. In the coming weeks, we will share how we can come together as a community to recognize, grieve, and honor these children. University flags will be lowered for 215 hours to honour and grieve each child.
We recognize that it is important for people to have the supports they need. The following resources and services are available to MacEwan community members:
- Traditional Indigenous counselling services available through the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre.
- Students can access services available to them at Wellness and Psychological Services.
- Employees seeking counselling should access the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
National support services are available to survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. The 24-hour line can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.
Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor
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