Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Comité permanent des affaires autochtones et du Nord

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 02, 2021 -

For over a century, a system of Indian residential schools operated in Canada. Approximately 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children attended these residential schools. A total of 139 residential schools and residences operated under this system, with the last ones closing in the late 1990s.

Last week, we were all shocked and dismayed by the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children buried on the site of the former Kamloops Residential School. Although the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada shed light on the loss of life resulting from the Indian residential school system, this discovery is nevertheless extremely disturbing.

The members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs offer their sincerest condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragedy. This devastating news is a reminder to all of us that the Indian residential school system is a recent chapter in Canada’s history and that its harms continue to be deeply felt.

The committee encourages the Government of Canada to take concrete measures to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action, including numbers 72 to 76 concerning missing children and burial information.

Given the sensitive and traumatic nature of the discovery in Kamloops, we encourage anyone who is experiencing emotional distress to seek help. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line provides support 24 hours a day and can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line also provides counselling and crisis intervention services to all Indigenous people. This service is available 24 hours a day at 1-855-242-3310.