District of Squamish flags will be flying at half-mast for 215 hours in memory of 215 Indigenous children whose remains were uncovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
This symbolic action expresses solidarity with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation, Indigenous peoples across Canada, and all Canadians who share in the shame and sadness of this dark period in our history, district said.
“Our work toward Truth and Reconciliation continues and this discovery only intensifies the painful reminder of the travesty that was the Residential School system,” district said.
“Building a new relationship with Squamish Nation Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and all Indigenous peoples must be built on the truth of the past, no matter how painful.”
“It is through this acknowledgment that we can learn, make amends and create a more just, equitable and meaningful path forward together for those of us here today and the generations that will follow.”
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is open at 1.866.925.4419 with 24-hour support for former students and those affected, along with referrals to emotional and crisis services.
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society, providing First Nations and Indigenous-specific support, can also be reached toll-free at any time at 1-800-588-8717 or online at kuu-uscrisisline.com.
