residential schools

The truth about residential schools is undeniable.

We need to listen to the elders.

We need to create space for Indigenous people to speak.

We join in respecting and supporting the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc people and all people across Canada who are impacted by the tragic news of the 215 children whose lives were lost at the Kamloops Residential School. With this revealed truth, comes an even greater responsibility for each and every one of us to act.

BCCPAC stands alongside all Indigenous people to ensure that all Canadians learn about the past and the harm that was perpetrated. Truth and Reconciliation must become an educational pillar in our school system to ensure that all students learn the history of the Indigenous people and the tragic errors that were made. We pledge to continue to educate ourselves and to support and educate DPACs, PACs and parents/guardians/caregivers. 

We recognize the important role parents play in our collective journey of truth and reconciliation. We can all raise awareness in our communities and discuss with our families. We thank parents and families for the work they are already doing in their school communities to encourage the next generation and bring about change.

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

What steps will YOU commit to take this month and beyond?

As part of our ongoing commitment to both educate ourselves and to educate parents and families across the province, below we have compiled resources about Truth and Reconciliation and Residential Schools.

We will continue to add to this list over time.

Please email us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you have a resource that would be helpful for families.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP)
The Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation(TRC) 
In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission makes the following calls to action.

BC Declarationon the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (BCDRIP)
The provincial government passed the legislation in Nov 2019 to implement the UN Declaration, which the Truth and Reconciliation Commission confirms as the framework for reconciliation. It aims to create a path forward that respects the human rights of Indigenous peoples while introducing better transparency and predictability in the work we do together.

BC Tripartite Education Agreement(BCTEA)
Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions as affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoplesand as a fundamental aspect of their inherent right of self-government recognized by Canada and BC pursuant to section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982

• BC government's draft action plan to implement UNDRIP
• National Center for Truth and Reconciliation
• Read theTruth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 
• Reconciliation Canada (Back Pocket Plan)
• Native Land (territorial acknowledgement)
• Land Acknowledgement Protocol
• Common Myths ebook
• Personal Pledge of Reconciliation
• Tips ebook
• Guide to Terminology ebook
• Indigenous Canada, the free online course at University of Alberta
• Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education, the free online course at University of BC
• First Peoples Map of BC - interactive map shares Indigenous arts, language and culture
• Learn more about the history of Canada’s residential schools
• Legacy of Hope - Where are the children from residential schools
• Legacy of Hope - The Forgotten Metis 
• Legacy of Hope - The Inuit Experience
• This Residential Schools podcast series honours the stories of Survivors and their families and communities.
• Video from author Monique Gray Smith to help start the conversation.  
• Educate yourself about Orange Shirt Day
• Orange Shirt Day website
• From the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society, a video resource on the impacts of Indian Residential Schools - Sacred Fire Exercise 
• From SD44, a list of resources to learn more about residential schools including reading materials
• The Seven Teachings
• Moving Forward: Our Individual and Collective Learning Journeys with Jo Chrona, FNESC
• First Nations Education and Your Role with FNESC
• First Nations Education Steering Committee 
• First Nations Schools Association
• Metis Nation BC
• BC School Trustees Association Knowledge Series (Nov2021)
• Dean’s Distinguished Lecture: Reconciling History with Dr. Cindy Blackstock (Nov2021)