In a newsletter sent to the community on July 8, The First Nation said it was deeply saddened by this reminder of the children who never returned to their families.
We know we have many brothers and sisters from our neighboring communities who have been sent to Kuper Island Residential School.
, write representatives of Penelakut First Nation. It is impossible to recover from genocide and human rights abuses. Healing is an ongoing process, sometimes it goes well, sometimes we lose other people because the burden is too much.
Once again we face the shocks caused by these genocidal acts
, adding representatives of Penelakut First Nation. Each time, it allows us to heal a little.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but action in spite of fear.
Presentation of the former boarding school on Cooper Island by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Photo: Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Loyalty and meditation
On August 2, Penelakut Nation is organizing a rally at Chemainus, on Vancouver Island.
It also invites its members and residents to participate in several honoring ceremonies on 28 July and 4 August. Non-native people are also invited to know our truths, as they define a nation. Mourning cannot happen overnight. There are a lot of facts to be told and heard.
Help and support
- The bilingual hotline provides residential seniors and those affected by boarding schools with psychological support and referrals for help. It is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.
- Hope for Wellness Helpline (new window) (A new window) Offers immediate assistance to all indigenous peoples, with culturally sensitive counselors, by phone (1 855 242-3310) or by chat. Help is also available on request at Cree, Ojibway or Inuktitut.
- British Columbia also offers two English language support services. The KUU-US hotline is available to First Nations personnel 24/7 by phone at 1-800-588-8717 or on the web at kuu-uscrisisline.com (new window) (A new window). L ‘Residential Indian Schools Survivors Association, in British Columbia, there is also a crisis line at 866-925-4419.
Natalie Sinclair is a contributor at Vaughantoday.ca, covering a wide range of topics including local news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and issues that matter to their communities. Her work highlights timely developments, relevant stories, and practical insights in a professional and reader-friendly manner.