Residential School Mass Burial Statement

July 20, 2021

As more unmarked graves continue to be revealed on the sites of residential and boarding schools throughout Canada and the US, more people share their stories of loss and grief. As more harassment and denial emerge in response, we honour the survivors of these schools, their families, and their communities, and especially the memory of those who did not come home. These revelations will continue and the numbers will grow, but it is important that the truth be known. Discussion of this history and its many challenges and frustrations will continue, but so will our commitment to teaching the truth of residential school history, challenge the harmful legacies of that system, and find the best ways to understand and talk about them, and support each other and others in this painful time.

For those seeking support in this profoundly difficult time, please contact the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. And for those seeking to know more about the schools and their legacies, please review the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, available online here.

Student Supports

  • The Hope for Wellness Help Line is open to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada, and offers 24-hour mental health counselling, via phone 1-855-242-3310 or chat Line.
  • Call 310-6789 (no area code needed) toll-free anywhere in BC to access emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health and substance use issues. Available 24 hours a day.
  • Indigenous UBC students can access support via the Student Health and Wellbeing portal.

Community Supports:

  • The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) offers support for Indigenous people (status and non-status) who have had members of their family attend residential school. Please review this information here.Here’s a list of service providers registered with health benefits at their website or call 1-855-550-5454.
  • The Hope for Wellness Help Line is open to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada, and offers 24-hour mental health counselling, via phone 1-855-242-3310 or chat Line.
  • The KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates a 24-hour provincial Aboriginal Crisis line for: adults, elders and youth. See more here.
    Adult/Elder Crisis Line: 250-723-4050
    Child/Youth Crisis Line: 250-723-2040
    BC Wide Toll Free: 1-800-588-8717
    Métis Crisis Line BC Toll Free: 1-833-638-4722
  • The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and to those dealing with intergenerational trauma. Call toll free: 1-800-721-0066.
  • The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres supports Aboriginal Friendship Centres across the province that support urban Aboriginal people. You can learn more about the Friendship Centre model, provincial initiatives and programs, and connect with local Friendship Centres here.
  • The Hope for Wellness Help Line is open to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada, and offers 24-hour mental health counselling, via phone 1-855-242-3310 or chat Line.
  • Call 310-6789 (no area code needed) toll-free anywhere in BC to access emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health and substance use issues. Available 24 hours a day.