Flags at Half-mast for Kamloops Residential School Victims

Posted on Monday, May 31st, 2021

Algonquin College has lowered its flags at half-mast on all campuses to honour the lives and memories of the 215 children found in a mass grave at the residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Flags will remain lowered until sunset on June 8 – a period of tribute reflective of one hour for each victim.

Words do no justice to the sheer scope of this tragedy and the pain it is causing to so many people across our country. On behalf of Algonquin College, I want to offer our condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nations for their profound loss. We also recognize that this news has deeply affected Indigenous people across our country – especially those with personal and familial connections to the residential schools system. This includes many individuals within our own College community.

Collectively, we must come together to face the pain and implications of this devastating discovery. We must show empathy and understanding, acknowledge the anguish, and the magnitude of the loss and trauma. We must reflect on what it means for our nation’s past, present and future. By facing these realities head-on, we can use this moment as a stepping stone towards Truth and Reconciliation – both within our campus communities and across Canada.

I want to remind members of our College community that we offer a complete range of counselling services and general mental well-being supports for employees and students. I encourage you to seek out assistance and resources as required.

As we approach National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we must continue the conversation on this tragedy – and ensure we use it as an opportunity for education, reconciliation, understanding and change.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President and CEO

Algonquin College


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