Kwey Kwey, Se:kon, Taanshi and Ullaquut. Carleton University is profoundly saddened by the discovery of 215 Indigenous children’s remains at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land.
In remembering these children, we are once more aware of the part that educational institutions played in the attempted assimilation of Indigenous peoples and the destruction of Indigenous families and communities.
The Carleton community stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities, students, faculty and staff as we remember the survivors of the residential school system, and with the families of those whose children never returned to them. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic finding, and campus flags have been lowered to half-mast until June 8, one hour to honour the spirit of each child.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, there are resources to help: Indigenous students can contact the Centre for Indigenous Initiatives to book an appointment with Indigenous Counsellor Rylee Godin: Rylee can be reached at ryleegodin@cunet.carleton.ca. The Centre for Indigenous Initiatives also offers individual meetings with Elder Barbara Dumont for Indigenous students, faculty and staff wishing to speak with a knowledge keeper. Appointments for this can be made by emailing Theresa Hendricks at Theresa.hendricks@carleton.ca. There is a also a 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. All other students can reach out to Health and Counselling Services through the Carleton Health & Counselling Walk-In Clinic Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for faculty and staff can be reached at (613) 725-5676. For after hours emergencies, the number is 1-844-720-1212.
