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Remembering those who did not return home

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We are saddened by the recent and tragic news coming from Kamloops, British Colombia. Together, we want to honour and remember 215 children who did not return home from the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.  Pembina Trails joins the families and communities of Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation in mourning the loss of their children.

“As treaty partners, we commit to continuing to listen, learn, and to reflect on how we can collectively contribute to reconciliation by sitting with and upholding truth. Our work is enduring and ongoing,” shared Pembina Trails Indigenous Student Support teacher team.  

Out of respect, and in an effort to continue walking our path of truth and reconciliation, schools and divisional offices are encouraged to do the following:

  • Lower flags to half-mast for four consecutive days, beginning Monday, May 31, 2021, to Thursday, June 3, 2021, to recognize and honour the journey to the spirit world.
  • Hold a moment of silence at 2:25 p.m. over four consecutive days.
  • Identify a physical or virtual space, and dedicate time for Elders/Knowledge Keepers, teachers, students, caregivers, and support staff who require social, emotional, and spiritual supports while they grieve.
  • Invite your school community to participate in a virtual smudge, song and prayer. 
  • Invite the school community to wear orange shirts to honour those children who did not make it home.

Our Indigenous Student Support teacher team is available to help schools navigate age-appropriate conversations and learning opportunities.

The resources below can support and ignite the critical conversations in our classrooms and homes:

There are also emotional support resources available:

  • Manitoba Shared Health Indigenous Cultural Healing Supports
  • National Indian Residential School crisis line, available 24 hours a day, call 1. 866.925.4419
  • Kids Help Phone to connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, call 1. 800. 668. 6868 or text 686868

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