Every Child Matters
May 30, 2021
We are deeply saddened to learn the recent news about the 215 children whose lives were taken at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. As a way to honour these lives and stand with the families and survivors of residential schools, in particular the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community, we encourage all staff and school communities to wear orange on Monday, May 31st.
We believe that Every Child Matters and that we have a responsibility as educators to teach the truth about our shared history as a nation in Canada by upholding the Truth & Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action. We acknowledge that schools have been sites of harm, and through a combination of learning and action, we strive to be a community of schools that are part of building a nation we can all be proud of.
Should anyone need support dealing with this devastating news, please contact the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066 or NAN HOPE at 1 844-626-4673.
Students and families can access school social work supports here, and students, families, and staff can access mental health supports here. You are not alone – should you need help, please do not hesitate to connect with the contacts and resources above.
