Every Child Matters

On behalf of myself and my staff, we wish to express our deepest sympathies to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc nation and to the surrounding Indigenous communities who are sharing in the trauma of this discovery. We acknowledge the deep sorrow and mourning that all Indigenous peoples and Residential school survivors are experiencing at this time.

The legacy of suffering and separation at Residential schools is a national shame, and this is a somber reminder that so much more work needs to be done to address the devastating and harmful effects that they have had, and continue to have, on survivors and their families today. Canada’s conservatives have put forth a list of meaningful actions that can assist families and Indigenous communities during this time including:

Developing a comprehensive plan to implement TRC Calls to Action 71 through 76 by July 1, 2021;

Funding the investigation at all former residential schools in Canada where unmarked graves may exist, including the site where 215 children have already been discovered;

Ensuring that proper resources are allocated for communities to reinter, commemorate, and honour any individuals discovered through the investigation, according to the wishes of their next of kin; and

Developing a detailed and thorough set of resources to educate Canadians of all ages on the tragic history of residential schools in Canada.

As Canada comes together to mourn with those who loved these children, we cannot allow their lives to be forgotten.