BRANDON MB – It is with deep condolences and heart break that we acknowledge this release of information in support of our indigenous students and staff. On May 27, 2021, it was announced an unmarked mass grave site of indigenous children had been uncovered in Kamloops British Columbia. The grave site consisted of 215 children casualties, one as young as three years old. All were victims of the residential school system at Kamloops Indian Residential School. This discovery brings to light only a fraction of the horrors indigenous peoples have faced in residential schools, boarding schools, and religious organizations.
We feel it is of upmost importance that we support our First Nations during this time. As an organization operating within an educational institution, it is with due diligence that we continue to stive for not only reconciliation and representation but results for indigenous students and all surrounding indigenous communities. The ACCSA will be issuing letters to local MLAs in Brandon in the coming weeks to urge the provincial government to conduct a radar ground search at all 14 Manitoba Residential School sites; including one in our own community in Brandon, and all students of ACC are encouraged to start their own conversation with their local MLA’s as well to hold our government accountable. This work is the bare minimum that should be done to move toward reconciliation and healing Canada’s history with indigenous communities.
The ACCSA wants to remind our students and community members that there is a 24-hour crisis line for survivors and those impacted by residential schools which can be reached at 1-866-925-4419. ACC students also have access to the I.M Well Student Assistance Program online counselling at 1-877-554-6935.
kahkiyaw niwâhkômâkanitik Meegwetch – All my relations, thank you.
For more information & further inquiries:
Alexis Cinq-Mars
Vice President Diversity & Inclusion, ACCSA
savpdi@assiniboine.net
Matthew May
Executive Director, ACCSA
maym2@assiniboine.net
(204) 725 8700 ext. 7213
PDF Copy of Statement: June 4 2021 – ACCSA Statement on Kamloops Residential School