Message to the Laurier community about the Kamloops Indian Residential School burial site

May 31, 2021

The discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School has had an impact across the country, with an outpouring of grief and calls for action. This tragic news is a stark reminder of the horrific devastation caused by the residential school system. Our thoughts are with all those impacted in the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc community and beyond.

Laurier’s flags have been lowered to half mast and will remain there for 215 hours, until June 8 at noon, to honour the memories of these and too many other Indigenous children.  

Supports and resources are available for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.

For Indigenous students:

• Indigenous Student Centre: indigenous@wlu.ca
• Student Wellness Centres: wellness@wlu.ca
  • Brantford campus: 519-756-8228 x5803
  • Waterloo campus: 519-884-0710 x3146

For Indigenous staff and faculty:

• The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 1-800-663-1142 or homeweb.ca

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hrs/day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. Indian Residential School survivors and family can call 1-866-925-4419.