This message comes from Indigenous Ministries and Justice at The United Church of Canada:

As news came on May 28, 2021, that the remains of 215 children were found in a mass unmarked grave on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School, we entered into a time of mourning for these relatives, their families, and their communities… Indigenous Ministries asks all of the church to continue in this time of mourning and of support for each other as we grieve this loss, and others that we do not yet know about.

Read the full statement, which includes a brief reflection from Russelle Burns and prayers from the Moderator and the Rev. Murray Pruden, National Executive Minister, Indigenous Ministries & Justice.

If you are a residential school or intergenerational survivor and this content is upsetting, please call the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.