Kamloops Residential Schools Statement
June 7, 2021
Statement from the CAGC Board of Directors to our membership regarding the remains of 215 children found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School
The recent discovery of the bodies of 215 children in a mass unmarked grave at a former residential school in Kamloops, BC has left us all both horrified and heartbroken for these children, their families, and for Indigenous communities across this country.
This unthinkable discovery reminds us that unacknowledged violence and discrimination against Indigenous peoples are not relics of the distant past. We stand in solidarity with the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and other Indigenous communities as we mourn these children whose lives were taken. We echo the call for truth and reconciliation.
We recognize that our words are not enough, and we continue to commit our efforts to become stronger allies and anti-racist partners for our members, colleagues, students, patients, and broader communities.
We encourage our membership to continue to educate themselves about the residential school system in Canada and the impact that it has on Indigenous People today. Metis author and lawyer Chelsea Vowel’s book titled “Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Metis and Inuit Issues in Canada” is one excellent resource. For broader education around Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada there is a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the University of Alberta (access here). The San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course may be relevant to genetic counsellors in our professional practice as it promotes understanding and partnership between health care providers and Indigenous people (access here). This is by no means an exhaustive list and is intended to be used as a starting point for those looking for guidance.
Individuals who are triggered by this discovery may wish to reach out to The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Help Line (p.1-866-925-4419) which provides 24-hour access to emotional and crisis support.
We also encourage our members to reach out to the CAGC BOD directly with your thoughts, emotions, reactions, and calls for action.
2021 Board of Directors
Alessandra Cumming Emily Fox Julia Tagoe Melanie Care Ingrid Ambus Hana Sroka
Catherine Hudon Candice Jackel-Cram Kristen Miller Melanie Napier Michaela Bercovitch-Sadinsky