RRU grieves with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and Indigenous communities

A statement from Royal Roads University President Philip Steenkamp

Xwsepsum and Lkwungen traditional lands — Victoria, BC

I am overwhelmed with shock and sorrow at news of the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Confronting the true history of Canada and its legacy of colonialism in its most horrific and tragic aspects is crucial to the path of conciliation. Yet the heartbreak and pain of that recognition are enormous. It’s incumbent on organizations like ours to do all we can to help shoulder that burden of grief and advance the work of justice and healing.

On behalf of the Royal Roads University community, I extend our sympathy and solidarity to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, to residential school survivors and to Indigenous Peoples everywhere. We are committed to continuing our dialogue within the university, with the Xwesepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) Nations upon whose traditional lands our campus is located and with other Indigenous Peoples, to contribute to ongoing healing and recovery in the journey towards conciliation.

Our flag has been lowered in mourning.