To show support for Indigenous students and their families in our school district, and to reinforce our core belief that every child matters, the UCDSB lowered flags at all schools and administrative offices. The district also sought advice from our Indigenous Advisory Circle to confirm ways to further honour the lives lost and those in grieving.
We recognize that the discovery of a mass grave at a former B.C. residential school is very disturbing and has resulted in questions and concerns being raised by all our communities.
It is important to recognize that this discovery reignites trauma for Indigenous students, staff and their families. It is a lived experience and lived reality for many people. The healing journey is ongoing. Many within Indigenous communities are bracing themselves for more such discoveries in the future as their “truths” are coming to light.
We must continue to educate ourselves on the true history of this land and its people and come united in an effort to better understand one another, to mend and strengthen those relationships we started so long ago.
We encourage families and community members to have conversations about the true history and the importance of reconciliation. Here are some resources that may help start or guide your conversations:
A wide variety of emotions and reactions may arise from these conversations. For anyone seeking support, the following resources are available: