BCAHP Response to Kamloops Indian Residential School Discovery

The BC Association of Heritage Professionals, of which I am proud member and leader, released the following statement and call to action regarding the tragic news of the discovery of Indigenous children’s remains on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School: 

In light of the dark confirmation of the 215 children found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, BCAHP as an organization is urging its members to commit to action by listening, learning, researching and respectfully presenting the full truth of history as we work to understand and share the stories of the places and people of this province. 

For those able, please consider supporting and donating to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/donate

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for those affected. It is available 24 hours a day at the following: 1-866-925-4419.

For more information on Indigenous Cultural Heritage please refer to: https://heritagebc.ca/resources/first-peoples-heritage/

Shuswap Indian Band Cemetery, near Invermere BC. Photo: E. Zysblat – November 2018