Flags fly at half-mast outside Thorold city hall and other government buildings in Niagara this week, following the discovery of a mass grave in Kamloops, BC, where at least 215 school children from a residential school were found buried last week. In a joint statement from Niagara’s mayors, the coalition said the flags will be flying for one our each for the lives that were taken.
“The discovery of this mass grave is a stark reminder of the devastating legacy that the Canadian residential school system continues to have on Indigenous people across our country,” said a statement from regional chair Jim Bradley.
“As Canadians, we must never forget that residential schools forcefully removed Indigenous children from their families, robbed them of their culture, and exposed many of them to physical, mental and sexual abuse.”
It was last week that the gruesome discovery was made near a Kamloops residential school, as the remains of at least 215 children were found in unmarked graves at a mass burial site.
Bradley said that Niagara region is committed to the issue around treatment of First Nations community members.
"While the flag lowering is symbolic, we are also committed to action. We continue to finds ways to work more closely with local Indigenous leaders to address specific items of concern to those living in Niagara. We strive to foster productive relationships based on trust and respect."
"We are also joining many communities and organizations across the country who are calling on the federal government to declare a national day of mourning to recognize the tragedies of residential schools in Canada. While nothing will erase the painful impact that residential schools had on First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, we believe we must better acknowledge, and learn from, one of the darkest chapters of our history."
For those looking for support, the Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available for former residential school students and others by calling 1-866-925-4419.
