NRI stands with Indigenous Peoples

NRI stands with Indigenous Peoples who lost their loved ones within the Residential School system, as well as all those forced to attend Residential Schools, and their families.  We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the recent discovery of unmarked burial sites of 215 former Kamloops Indian Residential School students.  

This discovery speaks clearly to the physical conditions and racism that were forcibly endured under the Residential School system – a system designed to systemically tear Indigenous Peoples away from their heritage, communities, and way of life.  This systemic oppression and the pain created by the system continues today.  Much work is still needed for our nation to truly seek truth and reconciliation. 

At NRI we respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on unceded territory of the Tk ̓emlúps te Secwépemc.  We support those calling for a forensic investigation of former Residential School sites and we encourage everyone to learn about the tragedies of the Residential School system and the history of Indigenous relations up to and including the present day.   

We can love our country and still acknowledge its flaws and failures.  We are taking time to learn more and encourage all to do the same.  We have a responsibility to learn more about, advocate for, and reconcile with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, the lands now known as North and Central America. 

Please visit www.native-land.ca to find out whose traditional territory you live on to learn more about the original caretakers of the land you now inhabit, their history and the current issues that affect their communities.  

We encourage you to visit the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at:  https://www.irsss.ca/  

For a comprehensive list of resources and suggestions to educate yourself further visit:  https://oncanadaproject.ca/settlerstakeaction   

Those looking to make a financial contribution to support Tk ̓emlúps te Secwépemc in the process of honouring and learning more about the lost children in their caretaking can direct donation inquiries to:  

donations@kib.ca  

Cheques can be made out to Tk ̓emlúps te Secwepemc and mailed to:  

200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way 
Kamloops, BC  
V2H 1H1 

Donations will be used toward the work that is needed for further investigation (scientific and archival) and later memorialize the children.