Statement on the discovery of the remains of 215 students at former B.C. residential school

May 28, 2021

The YMCA was deeply saddened to learn of the discovery of the remains of 215 children who were students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Although this discovery was made on the reserve in Kamloops, we know that students across British Columbia and beyond were forced to attend the Kamloops Indian Residential School. It is tragic to learn of how many children were at this school. On behalf of our Board of Directors and our staff, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver sends our thoughts to the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation and all First Nations communities and families who are affected by this news.

We recognize the trauma and impact of residential schools doesn’t lessen as time goes on, but we hope this news brings some peace to the families of these 215 children to know where their relatives are.

It has always been known that a great number of children have been unaccounted for once they entered residential schools. This was an issue identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission acknowledging the tragic death of children at residential schools and the likelihood that many other children remain unaccounted for.

Although the unimaginable impact that residential schools have on former students, their families, and their communities cannot be undone, it also cannot be forgotten. The discovery of the remains of these 215 children, along with the thousands of others that have been identified through the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, is a reminder to us all that our work on reconciliation is not a historic relic, but something we need to continually work on.

Today, Friday May 28, 2021 at the Virtual Annual General Meeting of YMCA Canada, Peter Dinsdale CEO of YMCA Canada spoke to this horrific situation, acknowledging the injustices caused by the Residential School System and held a moment of silence for the families of these 215 children.

As a charity dedicated to building healthy communities, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver is committed to reconciliation, as a key element of our approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  We all have an important role to play, and responsibility for being part of the solution. We must continue to educate ourselves and our communities in this vital work.