First Nations and Truth and Reconciliation Week
Kamloops Indian Residential Schools
In light of the tragic news regarding the discovery of 215 children buried at the Kamloops Residential School, the CISVA community wishes to express our collective sense of deep sadness and shock. Throughout the week, our office and school communities will be provided with opportunities for prayer and learning. In solidarity with First Nations communities, our schools will lower their flags to half-mast and will observe two minutes of silence at 2:15 pm on Monday, May 31, 2021. Students and staff in our schools and office may also wear orange during the week to show support for residential school survivors and their families.
Resources
- Archdiocese of Vancouver – Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous People
- Archbishop Miller’s Interview with CBC Radio (0:22:50-0:45:32) – June 8, 2021
- Frequently Asked Questions Resource – June 4, 2021
- CISVA Letter – June 2, 2021
- Archbishop Miller’s Expression of Commitment – June 2, 2021
- Archbishop Miller’s Expression of Apology and Hope – June 2, 2015
- Archbishop Miller’s Expression of Apology and Hope – September 20, 2013
Indigenous Education Resources
The following resources were shared at the CISVA Principals’ Meeting on Thursday, September 16, 2021
- First Peoples Map of B.C.
- Truth and Reconciliation Week (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation)
- Indigenous Education Resources (BC Curriculum Ministry of Education)
- Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (Canadian Geographic)
Truth and Reconciliation Week
From September 27th to October 1st, CISVA schools will be participating in a variety of activities and lessons to learn about Indigenous culture, residential schools, and truth and reconciliation.
CISVA schools and the Superintendent’s Office will be closed on September 30th, 2021 on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. From sunrise to sunset, Canadian flags will be lowered half-mast to commemorate the ongoing trauma caused by residential schools. On this day, we remember the lives lost, the survivors, as well as the families and communities who continue to mourn and grieve. We encourage members of the CISVA community to visit the above resources to learn, reflect, and pray for healing, truth, and reconciliation.
Last updated: September 27, 2021.