It is extremely difficult to comprehend and process the abhorrent news involving 215 children whose bodies were recently discovered in a burial site on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
This is a time of mourning and reflection; however, for many Indigenous members of our community, this is also a traumatic revisiting of painful events and triggered memories.
In a recent statement from the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann reminds us to treat those who did survive residential schools with respect and to “take the initiative to learn their story in ways that do not burden them, but acknowledge their stories and see their resilience and strength.”
The University of Saskatchewan Health Sciences stands with the Indigenous community and offers heartfelt condolences to all those impacted by the residential school system and this devastating event.
Please know that supports are available for people during this difficult time:
- The USask Aboriginal Students’ Centre
- https://waniskahk.ca/mental-wellness
- https://waniskahk.ca/mental-health-therapist-list
- https://www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-and-the-first-nations-health-authority/first-nations-perspective-onwellness
- https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/traditional-healing
- https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
- Student Wellness Centre
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Baxter-Jones, PhD
Interim Associate Provost, Health
USask Health Sciences