“On behalf of the Northern Health board, and staff and physicians, we offer sincere condolences to families and communities mourning the immeasurable loss of so many young lives at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. We acknowledge the significant impact that the trauma experienced in residential schools continues to have on generations of survivors and their families.
Northern Health remains committed to working with the First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, and Aboriginal leaders across the North on meaningful change that honours diversity and provides culturally safe services.
Northern Health is lowering flags at its facilities across the region to honour the lives of the 215 children. We acknowledge and pause to reflect on the trauma experienced by survivors, families and communities.”
For everyone affected by this news, there are supports available:
- Within B.C., the KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. The KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717 or online.
- The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides support for former Residential School students and those affected. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
- The Northern BC Crisis Line offers 24/7 support across the NH region, and can be reached at 1-888-562-1214.