The article discusses an update from Tke̓ mlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir regarding the excavation of suspected unmarked graves of children who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Casimir stated that the excavation has not yet started and emphasized the sensitivity of this process, which would involve careful steps, conversations with survivors and the community, and collaboration with impacted nations. The update was shared during a press conference involving the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, Roman Catholic Diocese of Kamloops, and Tke̓ mlúps te Secwépemc, where a new Sacred Covenant was announced to be signed on Easter Sunday. The Sacred Covenant includes a historical record, shared truths, and commitments to action such as ways to memorialize the children of residential schools, information sharing to identify missing children, and sharing archives and records in Catholic possession.
Casimir also discussed her participation in addressing the Roman Catholic Church at the highest level, including meeting with the Holy See to represent survivors and seek justice for the atrocities that took place at Roman Catholic-run Indian Residential Schools. She emphasized the importance of seeking reconciliation and justice, while acknowledging the ongoing impact of the school and the need for sacred care of unmarked burials. Additionally, the article mentions the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419), which is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience.
The update on the excavation of suspected unmarked graves highlights the sensitivity and importance of this process in addressing the tragic legacy of Indian Residential Schools. Casimir’s comments underscore the need for meaningful steps towards reconciliation, justice, and honoring the memory of the children who attended these schools. The announcement of the Sacred Covenant and the commitment to actions such as memorialization, information sharing, and transparency are significant steps towards acknowledging the truth and working towards healing and reconciliation.
The involvement of the Roman Catholic Church in this process, including the signing of the Sacred Covenant, signifies a collaborative effort to address the historical injustices and atrocities that occurred at Indian Residential Schools. By sharing archives and records in Catholic possession and committing to actions to identify missing children, the Church is taking steps towards accountability and transparency. Casimir’s representation of survivors and her emphasis on seeking justice and reconciliation reflect the ongoing impact of the trauma caused by residential schools and the importance of healing and commemoration.
The reference to the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line provides a resource for those who may be experiencing emotional pain or distress related to their residential school experience. This acknowledgment of the ongoing impact of residential schools on survivors and their families highlights the need for support and healing. The article’s focus on the sensitivities and complexities of addressing the legacy of residential schools underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to honor the memory of those affected and work towards reconciliation and healing for Indigenous communities.
In conclusion, the update from Tke̓ mlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir regarding the excavation of suspected unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, the announcement of the Sacred Covenant, and the involvement of the Roman Catholic Church in these efforts reflects a significant step towards truth and reconciliation. The commitment to actions such as memorialization, information sharing, and transparency, along with the acknowledgement of the ongoing impact of residential schools on survivors, underscores the importance of addressing the legacy of these institutions and working towards healing and justice for Indigenous communities. The article highlights the complexity and sensitivity of this process and the ongoing need for support and acknowledgement of the lasting effects of the residential school system.
