One Year Later: A Moment of Silence

This week marks the first anniversary of the announcement of the discovery of over 215 children’s remains at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, where the former Kamloops Residential School was located. Since then, Indigenous investigations across the country have found evidence of more than 1,800 confirmed unmarked graves at former residential school sites, with thousands more anticipated to be discovered in the months and years ahead. 

During the morning of May 27th, each school and district site across the Abbotsford School District will observe a moment of silence in memory of these and other children who did not make it back home to their families, and in observance of the tremendous resilience and courage of residential school survivors.  

As a public education institution, we accept responsibility to contribute toward revealing and correcting miseducation, as well as renewing respectful relationships with Indigenous communities through our teaching and community engagement. We continue to be immensely grateful to the Elders, Leaders, and families from the Sumas First Nation, Matsqui First Nation, the Fraser Valley Métis Association, Indigenous students, and their families who continuously share their voices and their stories with our staff and students and provide their counsel in relation to our programs and services. 

Resources for Learning 

There cannot be reconciliation without truth and understanding. While conversations about the history and impact of residential schools continue to occur within our schools, we encourage you to pursue the learning at home with your family. 

• Lex̱éywa Art Activism - A recalling of a residential school experience 
• Ray & Millie Silver Indigenous Library – Truth Telling & Reconciliation  
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation  

Resources for Support 

We recognize that anniversaries like this can be triggering for many and significantly impact our Indigenous staff, students, families, and local First Nations.  

If you or your child require ongoing support outside of school, the following agencies are recommended mental health resources: 

• START – In an immediate mental health crisis, START is available to consult with caregivers over the phone at 1-844-782-7811. 
• Abbotsford Child & Youth Mental Health – Visit their website or call 604-870-5880. 
• Abbotsford Hospice Society – Visit their website or call 604-852-2456. 
• Foundry – Visit their website or call 604-746-3392. 
• Residential School Survivors Society counseling services 

If you are an Abbotsford School District employee, additional resources are available to support you through our Employee Assistance Program. Please reach out to hr@abbyschools.ca.