This message contains sensitive content and could be triggering. For crisis support here in BC please contact the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 or visit Mental Health and Wellness Support page for additional support services.
This afternoon we received the tragic news of the discovery of 215 bodies found buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops residential school. The events described today are extremely painful and will have a significant impact on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc community and in the communities that had members attend this residential school. This situation will also potentially affect First Nations people in BC and across the country. That this situation exists is sadly not a surprise and illustrates the damaging and lasting impacts that the residential school system continues to have on First Nations people, their families and communities.
During this difficult time, the FNHA is calling on our stakeholders and health partners to work in concert to mobilize additional resources to support the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc community and others as circumstances unfold. Immediate supports for Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc community have been identified through our Interior health team, and our teams are on standby to support further needs.
Some of the supports currently available includes the KUU-US Crisis Line, Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society and the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society. Contact information for these services can be found
on the FNHA website.
In this moment our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and to all traumatized by hearing of this devastating news.
Richard Jock, CEO First Nations Health Authority
For cultural supports:
- KUU-US Crisis Line Society: a 24-hour provincial Indigenous crisis line. Adults call 250-723-4050; children and youth call 250-723-2040. Toll-free 1-800-588-8717.
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: Phone toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca.
- The Métis Crisis Line: available 24 hours a day at 1-833-MétisBC, 1-833-638-4722.
- Tsow Tun Le Lum: Phone 1-888-403-3123 to access the following cultural supports: Levi Martin, James Quatell or Mike Kelly.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): Phone 1-800-721-0066 or 604-985-4464 to access the following cultural supports: Sadie McPhee, Gertie Pierre or Yvonne Rigby Jones. Mental health and counselling services are also available from the IRSSS Resolution Health Support Workers.
