Premier Savikataaq honours victims of Kamloops Indian Residential School
Statement
Premier Savikataaq honours victims of Kamloops Indian Residential School
Iqaluit, Nunavut (May 30, 2021) - Premier Savikataaq today released the following statement:
“The devastating news of the discovery of 215 children in a mass grave at the Kamloops Indian Residential School leaves all Indigenous people in this country heartbroken and grieving with the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation community.
The legacy of Canada’s residential schools is one of deep intergenerational trauma, rooted in attempted cultural genocide and assimilation. This isn’t simply a dark chapter in Canadian history, it continues to be a very painful reality for all First Nations, Inuit and Metis. In order to move forward, all Canadians must face these horrors, learn the truth, demand justice and work toward meaningful reconciliation on our terms.
In remembrance of these beautiful souls, taken, disregarded and dishonoured by a system meant to break them, the Government of Nunavut will lower all its flags to half-mast for nine days- 215 hours for 215 loved children.
On behalf of all Nunavummiut, I send my love and support to the families of the victims, and to all survivors and those affected by residential schools. We stand together, unwaivering in our cultures and languages, determined to heal.”
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Media Contact:
Cate Macleod
Press Secretary to Premier Savikataaq
867-975-5059
@email