Close X
Monday, February 17, 2025
ADVT 
National

Remains show violence of colonialism: B.C. premier

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 May, 2021 12:50 PM
  • Remains show violence of colonialism: B.C. premier

British Columbia Premier John Horgan says he is "horrified and heartbroken" to learn of the discovery of a burial site with 215 children on the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

The Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation said new ground-penetrating technology was able to show the remains of the children, whose deaths are believed to be undocumented but are known within the community.

The discovery is a tragedy of "unimaginable proportions" and highlights the violence and consequences of the residential school system, Horgan said in a statement on Friday.

"I honour Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc as they grapple with this burden from a dark chapter of Canadian history and uphold their commitment to complete this investigation over the coming weeks, bringing to light the full truth of this loss," he said.

The National Truth and Reconciliation Commission has records of at least 51 children dying at the school between 1914 and 1963.

The commission noted in its 2015 report that officials in 1918 believed children at the school were not being adequately fed, leading to malnutrition.

The head of the First Nations Health Authority said the group will be providing mental health and trauma support to community members as the search continues.

Richard Jock, the authority's CEO, said COVID-19 has made it difficult for people to gather and mourn the news.

He said the legacy of colonialism leads to modern-day trauma and health issues in Indigenous communities.

“This particular event may be seen as historical but it’s also a continuous trend I would say of this power imbalance, if you would, that creates these issues for First Nations people.”

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs said the discovery is a reminder of the genocide committed by the Canadian government.

"There are no words to express the deep mourning that we feel as First Nations people, and as survivors, when we hear an announcement like this," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip in a statement. "These were children — all belonging to a family and community, and a Nation — who were forcibly stolen from their homes under the authority of the Canadian government, and never returned."

Chief Don Tom, the union's vice-president, noted the first-ever meeting of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs was held on the former grounds of the Kamloops residential school in 1969.

B.C. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth made a brief statement Friday about the discovery at the former residential school at a news conference on a separate announcement.

"I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc people who are dealing with the continuing tragedy and impact of the residential school system and the dark chapter that is in their nation’s history and our nation’s history and our thoughts are with them today."

MORE National ARTICLES

Ontario, Quebec close borders to slow COVID-19

Ontario, Quebec close borders to slow COVID-19
Starting today, travellers from Manitoba and Quebec cannot enter Ontario unless they live or work in the province, are transporting goods, or are travelling for health, compassionate reasons or to exercise an Aboriginal treaty right.

Ontario, Quebec close borders to slow COVID-19

Vancouver mayor warns of COVID crackdown by police

Vancouver mayor warns of COVID crackdown by police
Large groups of mostly maskless people held impromptu gatherings in parks and on beaches Friday and Saturday as the first warm spell of the year created summer-like conditions.

Vancouver mayor warns of COVID crackdown by police

B.C. wildfire prompts evacuation alert

B.C. wildfire prompts evacuation alert
The BC Wildfire Service says the suspected human-caused blaze was fanned by winds after being sparked on Sunday and now covers an estimated one square kilometre.

B.C. wildfire prompts evacuation alert

Vancouver Police investigate fifth homicide of the city

Vancouver Police investigate fifth homicide of the city
Preliminary evidence indicates the shooting was targeted and investigators do not believe there is a specific public safety risk at this time related to this incident.

Vancouver Police investigate fifth homicide of the city

Ontario tightens restrictions, cops get new powers

Ontario tightens restrictions, cops get new powers
The new restrictions do not include mandated paid sick days, which labour groups and public health experts have said would protect vulnerable essential workers and help stop the spread of the virus in workplaces and the community at large.

Ontario tightens restrictions, cops get new powers

1005 COVID19 cases for Friday

1005 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are currently 5,739 cases of COVID-19 that are confirmed variants of concern in our province. Of the total cases, 212 are active and the remaining people have recovered. 

1005 COVID19 cases for Friday