The discovery of the 215 Indigenous children in the undocumented burial site at the Residential School in Kamloops, BC is a horrific reminder of the past and present injustices inflicted on Indigenous peoples by colonial institutions and governments in Canada.
The Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and communities impacted by these events and it is our hope that these burial grounds may one day become a place of peace and closure for the families of these lost children.
These events once again point out that the road to reconciliation is difficult, but these are the events that have shaped and continue to shape the relationships between the settler population and Indigenous peoples in Canada and across Turtle Island.
The IAC is committed to inclusion, reconciliation and ensuring all Indigenous youth can grow and develop in relation to the land through culturally relevant outdoor recreation and sports.
We acknowledge that only through reconciliation can we ensure a better opportunity for every child to reach their dreams in honour of those who never had that opportunity. The IAC is committed to the children that never made it home through our continued advocacy for the current and future generations of Indigenous youth.
We ask our Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations, paddling clubs and leadership to speak to your communities and access the resources linked below.
CKC’s Indigenous Advisory Council have been working on a plan of action to help educate and commemorate our Indigenous Peoples of Canada – announcement is forthcoming.
Information and Support
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
www.trc.ca
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
1-866 925-4419
Canoe Kayak Canada is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada, one of Canada’s top performing summer sports with a total of 24 Olympic medals, and a leader in the Paralympic movement. Canoe Kayak Canada is a member-based organization that includes an intricate network of clubs as well as provincial, territorial and divisional paddling associations. Elite National Team athletes proudly represent Canada at various competitions around the globe – most notably the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan American Games, ICF World Cups as well as Junior, Under 23 and Senior World Championships.