From the Office of the Chief –
On behalf of Council, I just wanted to provide you an update on the follow up that has happened on the findings of the lost children on KIRS.
There was a pipe ceremony held on June 10th. On behalf of Councillor Jeanette who took the lead on behalf of Council, we are truly grateful to our TteS departments and the SNTC for attending and volunteering. A lot of work went into the ceremony, from preparing flags and tobacco ties, to getting everything ready for the pipe carriers, ceremonial knowledge keepers, youth dancers, drummers singers and the Residential and Day Scholar Survivors.
From what I witnessed at the ceremony, people were truly engaged and present to what took place. I lift my hands to all who attended, witnessed and participated in these important moments of ceremony and healing.
There were also several “follow ups” this week.
TteS was the host community for the Adams Lake Band’s journey for the “Walking the Spirits Home” ceremony.
Meetings that Chief and Council attended this week included:
- With staff to share information and plan for the next steps
- With our legal team and
- First Nations Health Authority
We absolutely appreciate how other organisations, are showing their support as well. This week, Qwelmínte Secwépemc launched the 215+ Days for the Children, which includes a thoughtfully curated collection of resources and tools relevant to the impacts of Residential Schools and Trauma-Informed approaches. Please feel free to share and visit the website (https://www.qwelminte.ca/for-the-children) to access these resources.
As these are still early days, I would encourage you to reach out to loved ones. Check in on each other.
There are mental health supports in place. Please see our website for more information.
Kukwstéc-kucw