A powerful memorial is growing in Burnaby after the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
The Stand with Asians Coalition has started placing shoes outside of the Burnaby Metrotown library in the hopes that more people will add to them to total 215. The shoes will remain for 215 hours.
Group representative Doris Mah said a vigil will be held next week, likely on June 9 at 7 p.m., although details are still being worked out, at the same spot and then the shoes will be donated to those in need.
Flags at Burnaby schools will fly at half-mast until further notice, and staff and students are invited to wear orange this week.
“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the families of the children and to all communities closely affected. The impact of this tragedy is vast, and our hearts are also with Indigenous students, families and staff in the Burnaby school district,” states a letter to parents signed by district principal of Indigenous education Rob Smyth, school board chair Jen Mezei and superintendent Gina Niccoli-Moen.
Meanwhile, Burnaby South MP Jagmeet Singh wants more action than flags being lowered.
Federal New Democrats are calling for an emergency debate in the House of Commons on the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
NDP Leader Singh says the government has not done enough to implement the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which released its findings six years ago following years of study into residential schools.
A number of the commission's calls to action focus on the horrors inflicted on children and made recommendations on how governments, justice systems and church officials should try to locate, name and commemorate those who died.
NDP Leader Singh says the government has not done enough to implement the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which released its findings six years ago following years of study into residential schools.
A number of the commission's calls to action focus on the horrors inflicted on children and made recommendations on how governments, justice systems and church officials should try to locate, name and commemorate those who died.
Singh says it is not good enough for the Liberal government to offer platitudes and make symbolic gestures, such as lowering flags on Parliament Hill to half-mast.
He wants the government to do more, working in partnership with First Nations communities, to investigate and fully fund identification of other sites where children were buried in unmarked graves.
When asked about his message to families mourning the loss of their children, Singh paused for a long time at his podium, tears in his eyes, replying only that he is sorry and will fight for justice for these families.
With files from the Canadian Press
