Statement on the Discovery of Remains at the Kamloops Indian Residential School

(OTTAWA – June 3, 2021) – Today, the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) issued the following statement regarding the uncovering of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

“The Armenian National Committee of Canada and all affiliated organizations are appalled after learning about the uncovering of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

“This is yet another indication of the immense suffering and injustice faced by Indigenous peoples and must serve as an eye-opener to all of us to collectively face our history and work towards a fair and just resolution.

“This must also serve as a stark reminder to all Canadians that we must do more to create a society free of hate, discrimination and intolerance.

“The impact of this horrific news has echoed strongly throughout Canadian society. While it is difficult to imagine the pain and suffering felt by those directly affected by the residential schools system, we must remain ever vigilant and strengthen our commitment to upholding and respecting the rights of the Indigenous peoples.

“As an ethnic group which has suffered genocide and a growing threat of once again being uprooted from its indigenous lands, the Armenian people stand in full solidarity with Indigenous peoples in seeking comprehensive investigations at all former residential school sites in Canada, followed by justice and full reparations for these crimes.”

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The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Armenian-Canadian grassroots human rights organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-Canadian community on a broad range of issues and works to eliminate abuses of human rights throughout Canada and the world.

 

Source: Armenian National Committee of Canada

Contact Information: Sevag Belian

(613) 235-2622 | [email protected]

 

Photo: CBC