The Province is allocating $12 million in new funding to support First Nations throughout BC with investigative work at former residential school sites as well as cultural and wellness support for those experiencing related trauma.
This response will be First Nation-led and coordinated closely with the Federal Government and the First Nations Health Authority. More information will be shared in the coming days as to how these communities can access funding. Meanwhile, efforts will continue to identify the next steps for new searches, removing structures, resources for healing and other supports.
For many, this work is long overdue as the horrific revelations of the past weeks have been an open secret and a source of awakened pain. We know there will be more discoveries. Even more support will be needed. There will be a long journey of healing ahead and we in government are prepared to step up. This is only a beginning – may it signal a change in how we approach our role in seeking truth and justice.
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Support services for residential school survivors in B.C. include:
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a 24-hour, provincewide Indigenous crisis line for Indigenous peoples in B.C.; Adults, call 250 723-4050. Children and youth, call 250 723-2040. Toll-free, 1 800 588-8717
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous people across Canada – 1 855 242-3310 or online
The Métis Crisis Line for Métis people in B.C., available 24 hours a day at 1 833 638-4722
Tsow Tun Le Lum for Indigenous peoples in B.C. at 1 888 403-3123
Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1 800 721-0066 or 604 985-4464
24-Hour National Crisis Line for residential school survivors and others affected at 1 866 925-4419