The excavation of suspected unmarked graves of children who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School has not yet started, according to Tke̓ mlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir. The process is considered to be sensitive and will involve multiple steps, conversations, and consultations with survivors, communities, and impacted nations. The announcement was made during a press conference involving the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, Roman Catholic Diocese of Kamloops, and Tke̓ mlúps te Secwépemc to discuss a new Sacred Covenant to be signed on Easter Sunday. This covenant aims to provide a historical record, shared truths, and commitments to action, including ways to memorialize the children of residential schools and sharing information and archives related to missing children.
Casimir highlighted her involvement in a historical journey to address the Roman Catholic Church at the highest level, including meeting the Holy See to represent survivors and seek steps towards reconciliation and justice for the atrocities that took place at Roman Catholic-run Indian Residential Schools. She emphasized the importance of seeking justice while also caring for the aftermath of the school and the unmarked burials on the site. The Sacred Covenant will serve as a pathway for truth and reconciliation, outlining actions to address the impacts of the residential school system and honor the memories of the children who suffered there.
The Sacred Covenant also includes commitments to transparency, information sharing, and the identification of missing children related to the residential schools. The goal is to provide a platform for survivors and communities to seek truth and justice while ensuring that the history of residential schools is shared accurately and respectfully. The covenant emphasizes the importance of memorializing the children who were affected by the school system, as well as collaborating with communities and nations that have been impacted by the legacy of residential schools.
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) is available 24 hours a day for individuals experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. The line offers support and resources for survivors and those affected by the traumatic legacy of the residential school system. It is part of ongoing efforts to address the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and provide healing and support for those who have been affected.
The press conference highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Tke̓ mlúps te Secwépemc, Roman Catholic Church, and other organizations to address the legacy of the residential school system. By signing the Sacred Covenant, the parties involved are committing to actions that promote truth and reconciliation, transparency, and justice for survivors and impacted communities. The announcement marks a significant step towards acknowledging the atrocities of the residential school system and working towards healing and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Overall, the press conference and the announcement of the Sacred Covenant signify a commitment to addressing the impacts of the residential school system and honoring the memories of the children who suffered there. By working together, the Tke̓ mlúps te Secwépemc, Roman Catholic Church, and other organizations are taking meaningful steps towards truth and reconciliation while supporting survivors and communities affected by the traumatic legacy of the residential schools. The Sacred Covenant is a symbol of collaboration and collective action to ensure that the history of residential schools is acknowledged, understood, and respected as part of the healing process for Indigenous peoples in Canada.
