The revealing by the Penelakut Tribe of 160+ undocumented and unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Kuper Island Industrial School and foreshore deepens the pain of all Indigenous peoples.
We know more reveals will continue to be made in communities across the country.
Since May 2021, there have been 215 reveals in Kamloops by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, 751 reveals in Saskatchewan by Cowessess Nation, 182 reveals in Cranbrook by the community of ʔaq'am within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation and 160+ reveals on Penelakut Island by the Penelakut Tribe.
It is heart breaking to think that so many Indigenous children lost their lives after being separated from their families, communities and cultures. Like many of you, I have developed deep and sincere relationships with some of the survivors of these residential schools.
As a community college, Camosun offers our support to the Indigenous students learning with us, and continues our commitment to support and provide all students and employees the opportunity to improve their understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples. Additionally, the college is committed to learning more about why and how this happened, and how to adequately respond.
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides 24-hour phone support for Indigenous people in B.C. KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Individuals can call the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.
The Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for former students and those affected at 1-866-925-4419.
Contact information
Rodney Porter
Executive Director, Communications and MarketingCamosun College