Dear Chief Byron Louis:
There are no words to fully express the collective grief shared in the wake of Tk ̓emlúps te Secwépemc Nation’s confirmation of 215 children buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Once again, we have come face to face with the reality and impacts of Canada’s residential school system. We see the pain it has caused and continues to cause today.
We mourn with the Tk ̓emlúps te Secwépemc Nation as it acts as caretakers to these souls, as well as with Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation, the Okanagan Indian Band, and surrounding communities.
The City of Vernon acknowledges the ongoing grief and pain of all the victims, survivors, families and friends left devastated by Canada’s residential school system including those who live here amongst us.
Our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Victor I Cumming
Mayor
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