Inn from the Cold stands in solidarity with residential school survivors and their families.
The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation’s announcement about the remains of 215 children buried at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School has brought international attention to this horrific tragedy. But the true magnitude of the injustice is much greater, as thousands of Indigenous children were abused and many more remain missing to this day. Worse still, many Indigenous families are still waiting for acknowledgement, for understanding, and for justice.
We as Canadians must come together as a community and face the uncomfortable truths of this tragedy that have been ignored for far too long. We must take action to confront the terrible legacy of the residential school system by listening to Indigenous People and supporting them in addressing the effects of inter-generational trauma that continue today.
There are a number of ways to take action right away to get informed and to move beyond just words:
– read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action
– study the findings from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
– donate to Indigenous-led organizations in your community
As an organization, we renew our commitment to listen, to learn, and to lean in with open hearts and open minds.
– Heather Morley, Executive Director, Inn from the Cold