In honour of the 215 children found in a mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, the Tłı̨chǫ Government will be lowering our flags to half-mast for 215 hours. 

We are doing so in memory of all the children who were sent to residential schools and for all the families whose lives were changed during this horrific time. There are not enough words to describe the devastation felt by all Indigenous people and communities across Canada. We seek to recognize this tragedy in memorial but also as a reminder to each of us, that such acts should never happen again. We need to be the voices for those who have lost their lives and continue to advocate for and recognize the inherent right of all Indigenous peoples to their land, culture, language and way of life. We stand in Tłı̨chǫ Unity for those children and families.

We also recognize how emotional and difficult this can be for everyone, especially for families impacted by residential schools.  There are resources available, and we encouraged anyone who needs support to access them and to share these resources with others in need. 

Some resources:  

• Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day 
  1-866-925-4419 
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers 24/7 immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.  
  1-855-242-3310, 
• Crisis Services Canada offers free 24/7 support online and by phone for everyone, across Canada.   
  Call: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645.