CNC will lower campus flags to half-mast in memory of the 215 children whose remains were discovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The flags will remain lowered for 215 hours in honour of each child. We also wish to show our solidarity with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc as well as all who continue to be impacted by the legacy of residential schools.
We have become aware of a movement to wear orange this week as a symbol of reconciliation. We welcome and encourage members of the CNC community to do so as an acknowledgement of the tragedy of residential schools and a commitment to a future of reconciliation.
We also want to advise of additional support services, which include:
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The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): 1-800-721-0066;
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A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line offering emotional and crisis referral services: 1-866-925-4419; and
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Within B.C., a First Nations and Indigenous-specific crisis line at 1-800-588-8717 or online at http://kuu-uscrisisline.com.
CNC’s services include the following:
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The College’s crisis contact information page for the availability local services;
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Here2Talk offers confidential support for students 24 hours a day at 1-604-642-5212, toll free at 1-877-857-3397, or via Here2Talk on Google Play and the App store: https://here2talk.ca/; and
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For CNC staff members, the employee and family assistance program via Homewood Health. Please call 1-800-663-1142, via TTY at 1-888-384-1152, or visit http://homeweb.ca. All calls are completely confidential.
It is important for all of us to learn more about the impacts of residential schools on survivors and their families. During last year’s Orange Shirt Day, CNC’s Executive Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson recounted the life of her mother Sarah (Sally) Prince Erickson and her experience at the Lejac Indian Residential School. It is an insightful story, and we encourage you to read it here.