At BCSS, we mourn with the many families and communities across BC impacted by the tragedy at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, where the remains of 215 children were found in a mass grave. And we express our deepest condolences to the families of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community and other Indigenous communities—families who have endured intergenerational trauma, grief, and pain, which results in a disproportionate percentage of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples experiencing serious and complex mental illnesses, concurrent disorders, and mental health challenges.

We recognize the pressures families face on a daily basis when supporting loved ones directly impacted by the news; and recognize that the trauma experienced by one family member—or even a community member—has lasting effects on the entire family and community at large.

BCSS remains committed to addressing inequalities within the system. We continue to reflect upon and work towards increasing our understanding of how residential schools and the colonization of Indigenous peoples have impacted families. Our staff and volunteers will remain committed to advocating for and helping families get the resources and information they need, when they need it. This means working alongside and advocating for families that face racial barriers in receiving the services they are entitled to.

BCSS remains committed to working together with Indigenous communities across BC.

At this time, we want to remind the families impacted that it is critical to reach out for support to help maintain our mental health, and here are just a few resources available:

• 24-hour KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717
• Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society at 1-888-403-3123
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066 or 604-985-4464

Should you require additional resources, please visit the FNHA website.