Statement on the Kamloops Indian Residential School Burial Site

The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers of Stardale Women’s Group are deeply saddened by the news of the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Confronting the true history of Canada and its legacy of colonialism, including the genocide against Indigenous people and the unthinkable atrocities that were committed to our First Nations children, is crucial to the path of reconciliation. Yet the heartbreak, sorrow and pain of that recognition are enormous. It’s imperative for organizations like ours to do all we can to help shoulder that burden of grief and advance the work of justice and healing.

We extend our sympathy and solidarity to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, to residential school survivors and to Indigenous Peoples everywhere. We are committed to continuing our dialogue within Stardale Women’s Group, with the people of the Blackfoot, the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuu T'ina and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta upon whose traditional lands our programs and services are located and with other Indigenous Peoples, to contribute to ongoing healing and recovery in the journey towards reconciliation.

We want the Indigenous women and girls we serve to live in a strong, supportive and inclusive community where all Indigenous People have assets to thrive and are equal participants in Calgary’s future.

Helen McPhaden
Executive Director
Stardale Women’s Group