We in PGME are deeply disturbed by the devastating information about the remains of 215 Indigenous children found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia and from the concern that many more remains will be found at many more residential schools. We cannot state things better than Dr. Philpott has done in her blog—an excerpt here: “So, when we reflect on the horror of the mass grave of these 215 children, we must do more than lower the flags at government offices. We must do much more than changing profile pictures and sharing hashtags on social media. We must speak up against the injustices facing Indigenous peoples today. We must call for the rights of Indigenous peoples to be recognized and implemented. We must respond to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Here at the Faculty of Health Sciences, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous learners, staff, and faculty members. We trust you will draw on the traditions and teachings of your culture so that despite the unspeakable grief, you will find peace. As this harrowing new revelation breaks open the wounds of the past once more, I hope we can learn from you and find a path towards a better future for Canada.”
Please go to https://healthsci.queensu.ca/stories/blog/mourning-children-tkemlups-te-secwepemc to read her blog in its entirety and to find ways to reflect as a community. We are also available in the PGME office.