Statement on the 215 Children Discovered at the Former Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia
We acknowledge we are on unceded traditional Mi’kmaq territory and we are grateful for the Peace and Friendship treaties. At ISANS, as we work to settle newcomers to Nova Scotia, we honour and respect the Indigenous people of this land.
The ISANS Community joins many others who are devastated to hear of the news of the 215 children who were found as part of a mass grave at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia.
In the coming days, please take a moment to reflect in order to honor and remember these children, their families and their communities. ISANS will continue to commit to taking an active role in shouldering our collective responsibility as part of our National Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples across Canada. As part of this approach, we will seek to raise the voices of those who represent and are the living memories of these systemic abuses against Indigenous people in our country while ensuring that newcomers are introduced to Canada’s Indigenous peoples and our treaty responsibilities.
To learn more about the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples please explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada reports. ISANS Reconciliation Working Group will continue to provide guidance on our approach and to meeting our responsibilities to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission recommendations.
Resources:
History of Residential Schools
- Where are the Children – Healing the legacy of residential schools
- Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre – Indian Residential Schools Legacy Project
- Orange Shirt Day/ Residential Schools – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
- Truth and Reconciliation Residential Schools in Canada – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
- Surviving Canada’s Residential Schools – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
Reparations – Things Canada and Canadians can and should do to repair the damage caused to Indigenous Peoples
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Groundwork for change
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Celebrate and Learn about Indigenous History and Culture
Comprehensive and Multimedia Resources
- Beyond 94
- Decolonization Learning Journey
- University of Alberta’s free online course Indigenous Canada
- Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
- Ancient Echos
Books for kids
- Indigenous Voices – Board Books – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
- Wi’kipatmu’k Mi’kmawey – Celebrating Mi’kmaq History – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
- National Indigenous History Month – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
Books for adults
- Indigenous Non-Fiction – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
- Graphic Novels by Indigenous Authors – Halifax Public Libraries Reading List
Film
Reel Canada – Indigenous made films
National Film Board of Canada – Indigenous cinema
Art
National Gallery of Canada – Indigenous Art
Music
Spotify Playlist of Indigenous Artists and Music