CMHC-Granville Island would like to acknowledge that we are located on the traditional territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
Dear visitors, by now, you will have read about the abhorrent news of the buried remains of 215 children, some as young as three years old, that were found at the site of the Kamloops Residential School here in British Columbia. This school operated as a residential school from 1890 to 1969, which was then turned into a day school until finally closing in 1978. The building still stands and is located on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation.
As a company, CMHC-Granville Island acknowledges that the residential school system was systematically introduced by the Canadian government and that led to the destruction of Indigenous families, languages, and culture.
Here on Granville Island our flags are being flown at half-mast to honour the 215 children, their families, survivors, and Indigenous communities across Canada whose lives have forever been negatively impacted by the imposition of assimilation tactics including the residential school system.
June is Indigenous History Month. Residential schools are a dark, tragic and real part of the history of this country we now call Canada, and they continue to impact Indigenous people today. It is essential that we acknowledge what happened, that we remember it, that we speak about it, and that we actively reflect on the roles each of us plays in countering this despicable system.
We also acknowledge the contribution of many of the Indigenous artists and Peoples that have been such an important part of Granville Island’s culture, and we celebrate them in this, Indigenous History Month, and will be sharing some images and stories of these artists later in the month.
Those looking to learn more about the impact of Residential Schools, missing Indigenous children and unmarked burials may want to begin by reading Volume 4 of the Truth and Reconciliation Report.
If you or your family needs support, please reach out to these specific culturally safe crisis lines, available 24/7: Indian Residential School Survivors Society – 1-866-925-4419 / KUU-US Crisis Line Society – 250-723-4050
