September 30, 2022
“Truth can be told in an instant, forgiveness can be offered spontaneously, but reconciliation is the work of a lifetime & generations.”
-Krista Tippett
With heavy hearts, Catholic Family Services Regina acknowledges the pain that must once again be endured by families and survivors after the unthinkable revelation of 751 unmarked graves today at the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School.
The Board and Staff of CFS Regina offer heartfelt condolences to the Cowessess First Nation, and to Indigenous Peoples from all across the land, at this discovery. CFS Regina supports Chief Cadmus Delorme in his call that we Stand by them and beside them, and to put down ignorance and unacknowledged racism, as they make their healing journey and grow stronger.
We must all bear witness to this and to hear Cowessess First Nation Elder Florence Sparvier’s call for support of their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students and all those affected.
For access to emotional and crisis referral services call the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Other National Crisis Hotlines:
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1‑855‑242-3310
Catholic Family Services Regina is deeply saddened at the discovery of 215 unmarked Indigenous children’s graves on May 28, 2021, at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
The Board and Staff of CFS Regina offers our sincere condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation and shares the collective grief and sorrow of the Indigenous Peoples from all across the land at this discovery. The survivors and their families deserve our deep respect and support as they relive the trauma inflicted by their experiences in Canadian Residential Schools which cruelly separated children from their families and communities.
The burden for survivors and their families is unimaginably heavy and CFS Regina is committed to be a respectful and trauma-informed support for those living in the City of Regina and area.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students and all those affected.
For access to emotional and crisis referral services call the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Other National Crisis Hotlines:
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 855 242-3310
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Chief, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir
“It’s a harsh reality and it’s our truth, it’s our history,” Chief Casimir said at a news conference on May 28, 2021, “And it’s something that we’ve always had to fight to prove. To me, it’s always been a horrible, horrible history.”
Further Statement from the Office of the Chief, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir
https://tkemlups.ca/ttes-articles/
Statement from the Archdiocese of Regina
The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation Residential School Grave Site Near Kamloops, BC.
https://archregina.sk.ca/news/2021/06/02/statement-archdiocese-regina-regarding-tk%E2%80%99eml%C3%BAps-te-secw%C3%A9pemc-first-nation