Jun 24, 2021

Vancouver, BC - We are heartbroken to learn about the confirmation of 751 unmarked graves near Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. Our thoughts are with the Cowessess Nation and Indigenous communities during this time of sorrow.

This loss comes less than a month after the findings of hundreds of children believed to be buried near the former Brandon Indian Residential School site and the findings of the former Residential School in Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc territory near Kamloops, BC. Our flag will stay lowered in honour until further notice.

This news is another reminder of the urgency and significance of the work that we undertake as learners and educators – to not only acknowledge this catastrophe, but also to understand that this history is ongoing and continues to impact our students, friends, families, communities, and loved ones. The harm of Indian Residential Schools continues to deeply affect Indigenous communities.

Snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College is working hard to address the historical and contemporary legacy of the residential school system and the tragic impacts of colonization more generally. We are dedicated to participating in reconciliaction and honouring the 94 Calls to Action from Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 

For those in our own community who are seeking support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Gathering Space at indigenous@langara.ca or Counselling Services. Employees continue to have confidential access to EFAP services and resources, 24/7.

 

Additional support

  • Residential School Survivors Society: reception@irsss.ca, or 1.800.721.0066.
  • Residential School Survivors and Family: 1.866.925.4419 (24-hour crisis line).
  • KUU-US Crisis Line Society: 1.800.588.8717 (Toll-free), 250.723.4050 (Adult Line).
  • Métis Crisis Line: 1.833.MÉTISBC (1.833.638.4722).
  • Kids Help Phone: Provides a texting option for Indigenous youth and adults to connect with a First Nations, Metis, or Inuit crisis responder. Youth text 68 68 68 and adults text 741 741 with the word "First Nations" or "Metis" or "Inuit" to be connected to a crisis responder from their nation if one is available (Indigenous crisis responders are not guaranteed but will be prioritized).  
  • Wellness Together Canada: Free mental health support that is available 24/7.    
  • Immediate crisis support for Indigenous Peoples through Hope to Wellness available at 1.855.242.3310   
  • Hope for Wellness Help Line: Free counselling available 24/7 to all Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Canada. Online chat or phone line available.
  • Research at SFU on this topic. 
  • Grassroots fundraising on Vancouver Island with a GoFundMe page:  (grassroots/direct to community funding is much more likely to get this work done quickly than federal pathways).
  • Indian Residential School Survivors Society donation page, so that they can continue to do their important work as this research unfolds in the years to come.
  • Recent resources from the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre.