Last week, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc announced the results of preliminary surveys using ground-penetrating radar on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School: 215 children were discovered to be buried there. The AMS would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and those impacted. This tragic news is yet another one that puts on display, the intergenerational and systemic impacts resulting from the genocide of Indigenous people through the residential school system in Canada.
The AMS stands in solidarity with the survivors of residential schools and those who mourn their loved ones. We acknowledge that UBC and AMS are situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Peoples.
We also acknowledge that the education systems in place have served as agents to legitimizing assimilation and genocide. However, that is not enough. In order to move forward in the healing process, we must address the ongoing harms that have occurred and continue to occur to date. We are committed to standing with and supporting Indigenous students, not only in their academic endeavors at this university, but in amplifying their voices. We will continue our advocacy to fight for crucial support for Indigenous students.
We must also educate ourselves on the history of residential schools in Canada and it’s impact on the Indigenous community. We encourage everyone to join us and educate themselves as well. Please learn more through the following:
This is a time of sadness, grief, and anger for many, if you know of any one in need of support in particular, or need support yourself, please refer to the resources listed below.
