Released: May 31, 2021 | Last Updated: June 24, 2021
Public Service Announcement Community Indigenous
From Sherri Bell, President
Our thoughts remain with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and Indigenous communities following the discovery of a mass unmarked grave of 215 children who were students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.
On Friday, May 28, we lowered flags on both campuses to half-mast to recognize the tragedy, as well as in memory of the thousands of children forced to attend residential schools across the country whose lives were taken and forever changed. The campus flags will fly at half-mast for at least 215 hours – one hour for each child lost.
It is unthinkable what those children and families went through and continue to go through to this day. As a community college, we offer our support and a promise to continue to provide students and employees with the opportunity to improve their understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples. The college remains committed to Indigenization and reconciliation, whether making the college more welcoming and relevant to Indigenous learners or preparing non-Indigenous students, alumni and employees to better understand and co-exist with Indigenous peoples. The horrifying news from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc reaffirms our ongoing efforts to greater Indigenization and a meaningful response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society is a registered charity that provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific 24-hour crisis services toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.
Additionally, 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 DirectorCommunications & Marketing