To show our support for the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and those affected by the recent findings at the Kamloops Residential School, 215 paper cut-out figures representing each child found on the grounds of the school are on display in our lobby from June 14-September 30, 2021.

We invite you to add thoughts, wishes and hopes for a safer and more inclusive future to orange hearts that will also be displayed. If you wish to participate, please ask the Registration Desk at Place des Arts for an orange heart. After you have written your thoughts down, return it to the Registration Desk to be displayed.

We will also be collecting cash donations that will be donated directly to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, which will be used towards the work that is needed for further investigation and to memorialize the children. You can give your donation to the Registration Desk. Donations will be collected until end of day September 30, 2021.

Furthermore, join us on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day, by wearing an orange t-shirt to promote awareness in Canada about the residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities.

This is not the past, but an ongoing search for truth, justice and change for Indigenous communities.

Things you can do to help:

• Write a letter to your Member of Parliament to demand they take action and request funding for forensic archeology investigations in consultation with Indigenous communities. The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society created a template you can use to create your letter. View the template here.
• Read and adhere to this document created by the Kamloops Indian Band that expresses how you can support them.
• Join us on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day by wearing an orange t-shirt to promote awareness in Canada about the residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419. In BC, a toll-free First Nations and Indigenous Crisis Line (1-800-588-8717) is offered through the KUU-US Crisis Line Society.