A message of support from the Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office

We stand in solidarity with the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Nation during this difficult time of grieving. We acknowledge the devastating loss of the lives of 215 children and the journey of healing that lay ahead.

We want to say we are shocked, but we are not; we are saddened for the loss of Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc people who should have been parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and traditional knowledge keepers; we are angered by this example of ongoing history of colonial violence directed towards Indigenous children.

The stories of family members not returning home from residential schools have been told before across Indigenous communities in all parts of Canada. The truth can no longer be ignored and there must be accountability to change. For community healing to happen we must be aware of and address the impacts from multigenerational adverse life experiences caused by colonialism; we must rectify ongoing social resource inequities and; we must reconnect with Indigenous culture and healing practices.

To the Indigenous students, staff and faculty of the CSM, know that you aren’t alone. If you need support at this time, join us at the virtual Connection Circle being held this Friday at 10 a.m. Please contact Renée Huntley, Indigenous Health Coordinator at renee.huntley@ucalgary.ca for details.

You can also reach out to us at the Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office at csmengage@ucalgary.ca, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066, or the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

Dr. Lindsay Crowshoe

Assistant Dean, Indigenous Health

Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office, Cumming School of Medicine

Dr. Pamela Roach

Director, Indigenous Health Education

Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office, Cumming School of Medicine

Dr. Dianne Mosher

Associate Dean,

Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office, Cumming School of Medicine