Mayor David Gillan and the City of North Battleford have issued a statement on the recent finding of a grave of 215 children at the site of Kamloops Residential School.
In response, flags at City Hall have been lowered to half-mast.
The city鈥檚 full statement is as follows:
鈥淐ity of North Battleford Mayor David Gillan, on behalf of City Council, City staff and the residents of North Battleford, expresses heartfelt condolences in recognition of the 215 children buried at the former Kamloops Residential School.
鈥淲e are very saddened to learn of the final resting place of so many innocent children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Our thoughts and prayers are with all our Indigenous peoples. We recognize the intergenerational impact of residential schools continues to affect our nation and is not yet fully understood.
鈥淭he flags at City Hall shall be lowered to half-mast in honour of all our Indigenous communities to demonstrate our city鈥檚 support and respect not only for the children themselves but for the families and communities, and their perseverance in uncovering the truth behind the terrible loss of these young children.
鈥淭his recent news demonstrates how the legacy of the Residential School system continues to impact the lives of Residential School survivors, and the families and communities of those who never returned home.
鈥淭he city continues to partner with our regional First Nations and Indigenous neighbours to better understand our past and bring positive change to the future.鈥�
Resources
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866 925-4419.
