Honouring the 215 children of the Kamloops Indian Residential School

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) is deeply saddened by the recent news of the remains found of 215 children on the Kamloops Indian Residential School grounds on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. We mourn the loss of the children and recognize the grief all families and communities have endured across Canada. We honour the children, their memory and that of all residential school survivors. 

As an Indigenous educational institution in Canada, our goal is to encourage our students in their educational journey. FNUniv supports the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, including offering courses towards a certificate to help bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Working towards reconciliation starts with understanding the history of Indian Residential Schools and the effects intergenerational trauma has had on our people.

Collectively, our hearts and prayers go out to the citizens of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, other First Nation communities and survivors of the tragic reminder of Indian Residential School and colonialism in Canada.

A pipe ceremony and a moment of silence will be held on the Regina Campus, June 1^st at 11:00am.

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419