Statement on the Kamloops Residential School Tragedy

Every Child Matters.

With deep sadness, the YES Shelter for Youth and Families acknowledges the tragic loss discovered at the Kamloops Residential School.  We honour and mourn the lives of the children of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc who were killed there and those at numerous other residential schools across Canada.  We grieve for the losses experienced by the families and communities whose children were forcibly taken from them.   

On behalf of all of us at YES, we stand in solidarity with all Indigenous peoples, and collectively grieve the unjust deaths of children over the more than 100 years of Residential schools in this land now known as Canada. The violent legacy of residential schools and colonialism continues today, with ongoing injustices and inequities experienced by Indigenous children, youth and families.

We gratefully acknowledge that we work and live in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough, traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabe, covered by the Williams Treaties.  The Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.  We acknowledge that our Emergency Shelter is closely situated beside a historical Anishinaabe burial ground.  Our work sits on land that was used to honour the lives of the ancestors of the original peoples who lived here since time immemorial.

In acknowledging this heartbreaking tragedy, we also commit to addressing this injustice through YES’ work, our policies, and change for our organization.

YES has always served Indigenous youth.  Indigenous homelessness is rooted in our shared history and ongoing reality of colonial violence and dispossession.  As part of our commitment to reconciliation and the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, YES recently initiated our Indigenous Rise Youth Housing program: a distinct program for distinct people, where Indigenous youth can be supported to connect with and celebrate their culture and traditions as they move forward with their lives through housing with support.  We do this work with a sense of responsibility, a commitment to learning and partnership.

We strive to be part of a future Canada that is based in relationships of respect, care, justice, and the wisdom of the Grandfather teachings.

Alongside many in our community, the YES Shelter for Youth and Families, stands in solidarity and support with Indigenous youth, members of our community and our partners.  Every Child Matters.

Signed in solidarity and on behalf of everyone at YES,

Meagan Hennekam, Executive Director
YES Shelter for Youth and Families