CCS mourns the loss of 215 children found buried in unmarked burial sites in the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. We extend our condolences and stand in solidarity with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities impacted across Canada. This event is not only embedded in our history, it has also created intergenerational trauma that echoes through the minds, bodies, and spirits of Indigenous communities.
This is a horrific, undeniable, and painful reminder of the past, and we, as an organization, and as individuals, have a responsibility to do better and stand in allyship with Indigenous peoples. As settlers on this land, CCS will collaborate with staff, clients, and our communities to support the work of reconciliation in ways that best respect and honour Indigenous Peoples.
Though these actions do not erase our history, they acknowledge our past, force us to examine the consequences of actions taken, and compel us to ensure that history is not repeated.
To the spirits of these children and their families, we extend our respect and heartfelt love.