Every Child Matters

Dear Members of the Bishop’s Community,

Every child matters.

It is deeply disturbing to learn of the deaths of 215 Indigenous children through the discovery of their remains on the grounds of a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia.

This tragedy reminds us of the devastating effects residential schools had, and continue to have, on Canada’s Indigenous peoples and on our entire country.

Calls to Action 71-76 of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report urge all levels of government to work with the Indigenous communities to develop strategies and procedures to uncover residential school cemeteries so we may all understand the magnitude of these horrific events and commemorate and honour the deceased children.

May we uncover each child’s story and tell them forcefully.

As all Canadians should be, we are outraged and profoundly sorry. We will lend support to those individuals in our community who are in need.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support to former students and those affected. The number to call is 1-866-925-4419.

Our counseling services are open to all students: https://www.ubishops.ca/mental-health

The Employee Assistance Program is available to faculty and staff:
Employee Assistance Program

We will be lowering our flags today for 215 hours beginning on Monday, May 31 to remember the children who did not return home to their parents.

Michael Goldbloom, C.M.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor