The remains of 215 children were uncovered in a mass grave on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation earlier this week.
We share in the grief, anger, sadness, and shame of these tragic and unjust losses.
And while we grieve, we also acknowledge that not all grief is the same.
This is but one of many instances of historical and ongoing violence against Indigenous peoples here in Canada. In a country that has been built on erasure, assimilation, and genocide of its caretakers, this tragic event adds to a heavy load of intergenerational trauma already experienced by those targeted by these efforts.
During our launch in April 2021 we communicated that we are committed to donating 5% of profits into communities through organizations working on important social issues. This commitment stands. However, as a new business – and as with most new businesses - it is unlikely that we will see profits of any kind in our first year.
But some things cannot wait.
Today, we are making the first donation for our community giving program to the Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS).
The IRSSS is operated by staff and volunteers who are Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors of Residential Schools.
For 20 years, the IRSSS has been working “to provide physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual growth, development, and healing through culturally-based values and guiding principles for Survivors, Families, and Communities”.
If you or someone you know requires support during this time. Please contact:
1 (800) 721-0066
-or-
24hr Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419
Learn more about the IRSSS or join us in donating at irsss.ca