A national tragedy

CMCC responds to the devastating discovery on the Kamloops Residential School grounds in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, British Columbia

Hello CMCC Community,

Late last week, we learned the heartbreaking news of the discovery of a  mass gravesite with 215 bodies of Indigenous children,  found on the former Kamloops Residential School grounds in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, British Columbia. This news is shocking and disturbing and provides an even clearer picture of the horrific Canadian Residential School system, the lasting impacts of which we still see within our Indigenous communities today. The Residential School System was a great tragedy for our country and further demonstrates the need for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Missing Children Project .

Today is the start of Canada’s National Indigenous History Month. The devastating news out of Kamloops is another reminder of why the month of observation is important.

CMCC extends its deepest sympathies to the Indigenous communities who are only now able to start the grieving process for their missing children. Our thoughts and hearts go out to them in this time of mourning.

To all of our Indigenous employees, students, patients, partners and friends, CMCC is committed to reconciliation though acknowledgement and action as we continuously reflect upon own practices and learn from past mistakes.

CMCC has lowered its flag to honour the lives that have been lost, and we invite everyone to wear the colour orange this week to show our respect for the victims, their families and communities. If you have been affected by this tragedy, please know that supports are available for you. If you need culturally appropriate resources, please visit CMCC’s BeSafe webpage where you can find information on immediate mental health service for Indigenous peoples.  

 

Sincerely,

David Wickes, DC, MA
President 
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College