Support for students

Last week’s devastating discovery of the remains of 215 children at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc lands reminds us of the horrors of the residential school system and its everlasting impact on Indigenous communities and all Canadians. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and their communities.

This news can affect us in many different ways. To all students—know that there are supports available to you at UM, including counselling and spiritual services, Student Services at Bannatyne Campus, the Indigenous Student Centre, Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, as well as sharing circles with Elders. Joining together with the community may help you to process this information. Though we can’t be together physically right now, you don’t need to face this pain alone.    

It is incumbent upon all of us to learn about Canada’s history and our present. To learn more about the residential school system and the horrors that are still being felt in Canada, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.    

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF SUPPORT

• Indigenous Cultural Healing Supports through Manitoba Shared Health
• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, available 24 hours a day: 1-866-925-4419
• Kids Help Phone – Indigenous volunteer crisis responders are available: 1-800-668-6868