May 28, 2021

Trigger Warning: Residential School, Colonialism, Intergenerational Trauma, Genocide

RE: Acknowledgement of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Residential School Survivors and all Indigenous People(s)

We acknowledge the impacts and trauma the current events regarding the Kamloops Indian Residential School have brought to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, as well as Indigenous People(s) and communities across Turtle Island. We want to acknowledge Residential School Survivors and the families who have been impacted as a result of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system. Most importantly, we want to acknowledge the children who were taken too soon. Our thoughts are with you all.

The ongoing impacts of the Indian Residential School system have had long-lasting impacts and implications on Indigenous communities as well as Indigenous students across Turtle Island. With regards to recent news, we want to proactively address and support our Indigenous community members because we acknowledge how difficult and triggering it is to hear this news.

The Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) is committed to Reconciliation alongside recognizing Indigenous Empowerment and Resilience. We stand in solidarity with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Indigenous Students, and community members during this difficult time. We acknowledge that Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a colonial institution situated on the stolen and Unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), and Katzie Nations and, that the education system has been the vehicle to legitimize assimilation and genocidal processes. We cannot move forward in the healing process without addressing and acknowledging unapologetically the ongoing harms that have and are occurring. We are committed to supporting Indigenous students in their
academic journeys, while also prioritizing and amplifying their voices in any capacity. We will continue to circulate and advocate for much-needed support for Indigenous students that have been directly impacted.

At this time, we want to center the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Residential School Survivors and their families, and our Indigenous students and community members.

Here are statements directly from Indigenous leadership:

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Statement
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs Statement

We have provided a list of supports below that can be accessed by Indigenous students at SFU as well as in the community.

Internal Supports:

Indigenous Student Centre:
● Connecting with an Indigenous Counsellor
Book an appointment with Indigenous Counsellor, email isc_well@sfu.ca and ask to book with Jennifer, HCS Indigenous Counselor

External Supports:

● Indian Residential School Survivors Society
1-866-925-4419
1-800-721-0066 (Crisis Line for immediate support)

● First Nation Health Authority
There is mental wellness support that is provided through the First Nations Health Authority specifically for survivors, and families who have been directly impacted by the Indian Residential School system. If you self-identify as Indigenous please reach out and request additional support, this is what it is intended for.

● Aboriginal Wellness Program
604-675-2551

● Child and Youth Aboriginal Mental Health Outreach – East Hastings Street
604-868-0368

● Child and Youth Aboriginal Mental Health Outreach – Cambie Street
604-688-0551

Help Lines:

● KUU-US Crisis Line Society
Adults: 250-723-4050
Youth: 250-723-2040
Toll free: 1-800-588-8717

● Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society
Toll-free: 1-888-403-3123
Main office: 250-390-3123

● Métis Crisis Line
1-833-638-4722

● First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
1-855-242-3310
Online chat available as well