KUC Letter to Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc
I can’t even begin to imagine what is going through the hearts and the minds of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc. Along with grief upon grief, you are being bombarded by the media as well as, I hope, a tremendous amount of love, care and support. I wanted you to have the statement that was issued by Kamloops United Church yesterday on our livestream and will be released to the media. We are acknowledging the part that we, as settlers, have played in this horrible tragedy. I also want you to know that you can call upon our Council Circle, Reconciliation Committee, and members in any way you wish.
It was with deep sorrow that we, the congregation of Kamloops United Church, heard about the discovery of the remains of 215 children at Tk’emlups Reserve, the site of a former Residential School. Along with Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, we mourn the loss of these young lives whose trust and innocence was violated. With hope and prayer we yearn for peace and healing for the families and Indigenous people across the country.
This long-suspected tragedy is a stark reminder of Canada’s shameful history with the Indigenous people of this land. We acknowledge that we have a responsibility and a role to play in reconciliation. At KUC we pledge to continue to walk with the Indigenous people of the area, and work on the TRC Calls to the Church, to build a just relationship towards Reconciliation.
