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 and sought advice from our Indigenous Advisory Circle to confirm ways to further honour the lives lost and those who are grieving them.
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 of our communities.
It is important to recognize that this reopens the 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 will continue with the difficult work of educating our staff and students on the true history of this land, not to place blame or create divisions but to better understand one another, to mend and strengthen those relationships we started so long ago. We encourage families and members of the public to have conversations about the true history and the importance of reconciliations. 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 those seeking support, the following resources are available:
- For Indigenous children and families in need of support, please contact The National Indian Residential School Crisis line 1-866-925-4419.