Press Releases
| Press Release | |
| Statement from Chilliwack Mayor and Council on the Initial Findings of the Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh (Taking Care of Our Children) Project | September 22, 2023 |
“We were deeply saddened to hear confirmation of the deaths of 158 Indigenous children at the former residential schools of St. Mary’s, All Hallows, and Coqualeetza, as well as the Coqualeetza Indian Hospital. The initial findings of the Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh (Taking Care of Our Children) project are a painful reminder of the horrors of residential schools, and the devastating and ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. “Indigenous children and their families faced countless injustices through Canada’s residential school system, and those traumas live on today through survivors, families, and friends. We know that these findings are only the beginning of this important work, and our thoughts are with all the families and communities that are impacted by this confirmation of loss. The City of Chilliwack remains committed to truth, reconciliation, and finding new ways forward. “To honour the children whose lives were taken, the flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-mast.” - Mayor Popove and Councillors Kloot, Lum, Mercer, Read, Shields and Westeringh |
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