In Recognition of UNMARKED GRAVES at former Residential Schools
SEVEN THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW
In light of yet more revelations of unmarked graves at former residential school sites in the territory of the Secwépemc and Tsilhqot’in peoples at the former St. Joseph’s Mission at Williams Lake, and at Kapawe’no First Nation in Northern Alberta, and in expectation of more unveilings we offer this prayer in respect and solidarity with our Indigenous family, friends and neighbours. with gratitude to Kelsie Kilawana (syilx and Secwépemc)
Grandmothers, Grandfathers,
Today is a heavy one for our people. We ask you to surround us with your strong presence so we can move through the coming times with hope. Let us not forget our sacredness in times when we become consumed with our grief. Help us to remember the beauty that is within, and the purpose that grounds us in this space and place in time. Help us to turn to our ceremonies and believe in their power even when we are feeling weak. Bring people together in ways that are needed and let this be the beginning of collective healing, because with truth comes healing.
For our Kin living away from home, displaced, or on the streets, wrap them up in your embrace, bring them the connection they need as they face this news alone.
Above all let no harm come to the people. Amen
Kelsie Kilawana of BC online news outlet Indiginews also writes – “Please take care of your mind, body and spirit first and read with care or choose [not to read or hear at this time].”
Indiginews and The Discourse have shared seven action items for non-Indigenous allies in the wake of these ongoing unveilings of lost children.
SEVEN ACTION ITEMS FOR NON-INDIGENOUS ALLIES during these times of revealing and recognizing the many children who did not come home from residential schools.
https://thediscourse.ca/okanagan/non-indigenous-people-heres-what-you-can-do-right-now
- Donate to organizations that support residential school survivors and their families.
- Learn about the residential school system and its ongoing impacts.
- Call on your MP and other elected representatives to take action.
- Demand action from the Catholic Church. (You may want to follow up on or contribute to United Church actions and plans to further support the work of surveying the grounds of former United Church residential schools like Alberni Indian Residential School)
- Prioritize the safety of survivors and their families when sharing these stories and others like them.
- Talk to non-Indigenous friends, family and children about the residential school system and its ongoing impacts.
- Attend memorial events where non-Indigenous people are invited. Wear orange in solidarity.
Specific ways to honour these action items are in the online page.
