As the Canadian colonial project continues to unfold, horrors like the mass grave at the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation continue to emerge. But to uncover and face the truth is part of the way forward, and we hear and join the call from many Indigenous leaders to find and document the gravesites of the many more children who were stolen from their families, denied their language, denied health supports and respect, abused and then buried without dignity, all by our colonial system. All children deserve love and respect, as do all survivors of the residential school system. #everychildmatters
CUPW sends condolences and stands with the bereaved families and communities, and all those who are still dealing with the system’s violence and its effects. Genocide is Canada’s shame that we have a duty to confront. Untold pain and loss remains to be addressed, and terrible injustices continue. Not enough has been done to pursue better relations between nations and to support healing of the long-term and intergenerational traumas.
We ask our members, and everyone, to read and implement the TRC recommendations and National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and its resources for the survivors and their families, and support the call to uncover and address the effects of the genocide at the foundations of Canada.
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LOCAL 846