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Yukon honours 215 children whose bodies were found in Kamloops, B.C

Monday, 31 May 2021 13:02

By Dylan MacNeil

People gathered in the rain at Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Whitehorse to drum and place shoes. (Photo: Dylan MacNeil)

There are calls for the government to work with all First Nations to look for remains at other former residential schools.

Flags are at half mast around the Yukon today to honour the 215 children whose bodies were found at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia.

 

This morning people of Carcross/Tagish First Nation gathered at the site of the former Choutla residential school to say prayers and have a sacred fire.

 

Around noon, people braved the cold and rain to drum and place shoes on the steps of Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Whitehorse in memory of the children. Right now, there are over 400 pairs.

 

More gatherings are planned across the territory.

 

Reconciliation Canada is an organization the focuses on revitalizing relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. This morning they held on online gathering for people to talk through the emotions surrounding the discovery.

 

Chief Dr. Robert Joseph is the Ambassador for the organization. He offered his gratitude to those in attendance.

 

“I deeply appreciate the way that all of you are, for all of you coming together with each other, one with us to consult, not only about our words and our thoughts and our minds, but about our spirits. That’s where the deepest connection is, and those little ones we’re honouring today, they had little spirits and they’ve never surrendered.” Said Chief Joseph.

 

People across Canada are wearing orange today in memory of those 215 children.

 

A national crisis line has been set up to provide support for those affected by residential schools. Service is available 24/7 at 866-925-4419.

 

Plans are being made to identify and return children’s remains.

 

There are also calls for the government to work with all First Nations to look for remains at other former residential schools.

 

 

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