A Saint John-based urban Indigenous group says it hopes the history of Canada’s residential schools will no longer be ignored.
It comes after 215 children were found in a mass grave at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.
“I don’t think anybody was really surprised, to be honest with you,” said Kateri Hibbert, a board member with Eastern Circle.
“The moment we found out the news, it was just kind of like … yeah, we know.”
Hibbert said the history of these schools has been hidden from the general public “for probably good reason because the things that happened to those children across Canada are borderline unspeakable.”
She said while Indigenous people and communities have talked about the schools and their history for years, they have been largely ignored.
“In my experience, I’ve seen a lot of people dismiss Indigenous leaders as either hearsay or say there’s no proof,” said Hibbert. “Now there’s proof and now people have to listen.”
Hibbert said she hopes the tragic discovery in Kamloops will serve as a turning point right across the country.
“I’m just hoping that now that there’s a smoking gun, there can be a situation now that it can’t be ignored,” she said.
Eastern Circle is planning a vigil and fundraiser in King’s Square on Sunday evening to memoralize and honour the lives of the 215 children.
According to the event on Facebook, the vigil will include a small opening ceremony, a 215-second moment of silence, candle lighting, and a shared story.
Hibbert said all donations collected at the event will go to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. The toll-free line can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-925-4419.