Archbishop ‘filled with deep sadness’ by Kamloops residential school discovery

This developing story was last updated May 31. See also “Archbishop promises transparency, support after Kamloops discovery.”

Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller said he is “filled with deep sadness” after learning of the discovery of the bodies of more than 200 children at a former residential school in Kamloops.

The Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation yesterday reported an “unthinkable loss” that was “never documented” at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops: the discovery of the bodies of more than 20o children.

“We had a knowing in our community,” chief Rosanne Casimir said of the discovery, which was verified with ground penetrating radar. In a statement, Casimir said some of the children were as young as three years old.

Archbishop Miller released a statement after the news broke.

“I am filled with deep sadness at the troubling news about the 215 children found buried at the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” he said.

“The pain that such news causes reminds us of our ongoing need to bring light to every tragic situation that occurred in residential schools run by the Church. The passage of time does not erase the suffering that touches the Indigenous communities affected, and we pledge to do whatever we can to heal that suffering.”

Kamloops Bishop Joseph Nguyen also expressed his sadness over the discovery, saying “I humbly join so many who are heartbroken and horrified” by the news.

“On behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kamloops, I express my deepest sympathy to Chief Rosanne Casimir of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Nation and to all who are mourning this tragedy and an unspeakable loss. No words of sorrow could adequately describe this horrific discovery,” he said, offering his prayers on behalf of the diocese for the First Nations community.

Flags were lowered to half-mast at the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s main offices May 31 and the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese encouraged all of its member schools to lower their flags and hold a moment of silence as well. Students were invited to wear orange as a sign of support of reconciliation efforts in Canada.

Archbishop Richard Gagnon of Winnipeg and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed his sorrow for the the loss of the children at the former residential school on behalf of Canadian bishops in a statement May 31.

“The news of the recent discovery is shocking. It rekindles trauma in numerous communities across this land. Honouring the dignity of the lost little ones demands that the truth be brought to light,” he wrote.

“As we see ever more clearly the pain and suffering of the past, the Bishops of Canada pledge to continue walking side by side with Indigenous peoples in the present, seeking greater healing and reconciliation in the future.”

Deacon Rennie Nahanee, former coordinator of the Vancouver archdiocese’s First Nations Ministry Office and a member of the Squamish First Nation, took part in national Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Vancouver in 2011 and heard “sad stories” of how the remains of children were sent home from residential schools.

“I presumed then that the remains were returned home,” he said.

Several questions need to be answered, he said, such as whether families were contacted upon the death of students, determining the Department of Indian Affairs policy regarding deaths at the schools, and whether family names were recorded so remains can now be returned to their communities.

The Kamloops Indian Residential School was opened in 1890 and run by Catholics and the Canadian federal government. It was the largest in the Indian Affairs residential school system, with enrolment reaching a high of 500 students in the early 1950s.

The school was one of five residential schools run by religious orders in the historical geographic boundaries of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. In 1945, with the establishment of the present-day Diocese of Kamloops, the school fell under the boundaries of the new diocese.

The school eventually ceased running classes and in 1969 the federal government took over administration. At the time it was being used as a residential building for students at day schools. It was closed in 1978.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate provided administrators and teachers at the Kamloops residential school.

“Through our ongoing reflection, and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we are growing into a deepening awareness of the damage caused to indigenous peoples, the enduring harm caused by colonization, and the part our religious order played in it through the residential system,” said Father Ken Thorson, provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada, May 30.

“This growing awareness leads us to an increased desire to listen deeply and learn from indigenous communities where Oblates continue to live and minister. The Oblates remain committed to humbly participating in ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and healing for our role in this painful part of our shared history.”

He also expressed “heartfelt sadness and sincere regret” for the deep pain caused to Indigenous people and his appreciation for the “sensitive and respectful way” the investigation is being carried out.

The Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Nation said next steps include working with a coroner, reaching out to communities whose children may have attended the school, protecting the locations of the remains, and seeking records of the deaths.

The tragedy of missing children, unmarked graves, and residential school cemeteries was documented by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2013. Its final report, Honouring the Truth, included several calls to action, including the updating of records on the deaths of Aboriginal children, completion of a national student death register, and creation of an online registry of residential school cemeteries with maps showing the location of deceased residential school children.