The recent news of the shocking discovery of 215 children remains’ found at former Kamloops Indian Residential School is deeply saddening, and horrific.
At the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, we cherish each human life, and the dignity of each person. We condemn the tragic acts that took place at residential schools across the country, and stand with the Indigenous community as they heal from the irrevocable damage their people have faced – a devastation that many in the dominant culture will never be able to understand.
Our organization is committed to upholding the Calls to Action created for the child welfare sector by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As an agency, we are utilizing these calls to action to guide us in providing more culturally appropriate, respectful service to the Indigenous families. We serve in solidarity with community partners and seek justice and peace for those in the Indigenous community.
These tragedies are not just matters of the past. They are a present day reminder of the work that has yet to be done, and the responsibilities that each employee within the child welfare sector has. We must call on one another to be better, do better, and uphold a standard of respect for the children and families in the Indigenous community.