HCS was horrified and heartbroken to learn about the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Our thoughts are with the Secwépemc Nation and all members of Indigenous communities in this time of mourning.
This tragic finding is a reminder of the ongoing and despicable history of colonialism, racism and injustice against Indigenous people in Canada. As a department, HCS will continue to work towards creating an inclusive and welcoming space for members of Indigenous communities that seeks to support Indigenous scholarship, and promote Indigenous voices. We encourage all to reflect on the violence Indigenous communities continue to experience, and review the final summary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and calls to action to determine how we may contribute towards reconciliation, and the dismantling of anti-Indigenous racism.
Support for U of T Indigenous students can be accessed through First Nations House by contacting fnh.info@utoronto.ca. FNH on-location counsellors are also available to meet with students from the Indigenous community, to book an appointment please call 416-978-8030, select option “5” and advise reception that you wish to meet with the FNH Wellness Counsellor.
Supports for all students can be accessed through the MySSP app or by calling 1-844-451-9700 / 1-416-380-6578.
Staff and faculty can access the Employee & Family Assistance Program. ⠀
For further information about residential schools, please see:
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/residential-school-survivors
https://foodsecurecanada.org/residential-schools-and-using-food-weapon