OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY FOR THE KAMLOOPS BURIAL SITE
June 4th, 2021
The CIRP, BCBT & CLR construction community grieves following the harrowing discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 215 indigenous children.
Last week, we learned of the horrific and devastating news about the discovery of the graves of 215 Indigenous children in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc near Kamloops, British Columbia. The remains of these young children were found on the grounds of what was once Canada’s largest residential school. We humbly acknowledge the painful memories this news invokes and hold that knowledge respectfully.
On behalf of the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan, the BC Building Trades, and Construction Labour Relations, we are writing to our community to extend our sympathies, to express our outrage and heartbreak, and to offer our allyship in support of Indigenous communities.
As we grieve for these children, their families, and their communities, this tragedy is a reminder that we need to continue to do more and learn more. Reconciliation is a journey that we have committed to in our industry and it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to engage in the work this process requires. We must all make the commitment to reconciliation, each and every one of us, employer, worker, and colleague. We must commit to this and support one another in our individual and collective healing.
Supports are available
We understand how something of this nature can be difficult and upsetting for our community and that people may need to gather or seek individual resources to find support. There are counselling resources are available to those in our community who may need them.
Vicky Waldron
Executive Director, Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan
Brynn Bourke
Executive Director, BC Building Trades
Ken McCormack
President, Construction Labor Relations
Resources
Employees seeking counselling should access the employee assistance program for resources and counselling
Emotional, cultural, and professional support services are also available to survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, external link.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Within B.C., the KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. The KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1 800 588-8717. Alternatively, call directly into the Youth Line at 250 723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250 723-4050, or online: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/
Indigenous employees may also contact their home community for support or referral.
Metis employees may contact their regional office or Metis Nation BC https:///www.mnbc.ca for support or referral.
Circle of Eagles Lodge Society - for counselling and other support services
Helping Spirit Lodge Society - for programs, services, and resources
Vancouver Native Health Society - counselling
Warriors Against Violence Society - for counselling and support services
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY FOR THE KAMLOOPS BURIAL SITE
June 4th 2021
The CIRP, BCBT & CLR construction community grieves following the harrowing discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 215 indigenous children.”
