Fanshawe’s response to the tragic news from Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia

Message to students on behalf of Michele Beaudoin, Vice-President, Student Services.

Fanshawe College has lowered our flags at our campuses for the week in response to the tragic news regarding the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children buried in unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. We acknowledge the many staff, students and community partners who have been deeply saddened to hear of this horrific discovery that has been concealed for so many years.

It is important to acknowledge that this news impacts Indigenous students and families in our College community and bringing this information to our campuses needs to be done with extreme care. Anytime we are discussing the topic of Residential Schools, it needs to be done using trauma-informed practices so we can create spaces of healing at our campuses rather than causing further harm. The Institute of Indigenous Learning will be providing a series of learning opportunities to our learning community during the coming year. Chris Hannah will be leading this initiative on behalf of the Institute.

Any discussion on the Kamloops Indian Residential school will be culturally appropriate and with student readiness. Indigenous students and their families are collectively grieving as they work through a living trauma that is only a beginning, not an end. In addition, the College will be mindful of the fact that students may also be struggling with their own mental health from the impacts of the pandemic. Students can contact the Institute of Indigenous Learning team if you need support during this time.

I want to acknowledge the concern and compassion from the Fanshawe College community. I recognize this is not a moment in time that we simply move on from without action. It requires deep thinking and an appropriate and measured response. Through our Indigenous Action Plan, the College has committed to making Indigenous education a priority, having equal and reciprocal relationships with our Indigenous partners and ensuring that Fanshawe College plays an important role in the life-long learning of the Indigenous students who attend our school. We want to be different. We want to be the example that others strive to be.

Guy Williams, the Eniigaanzid, Special Advisor Indigenous Education will be leading the discussions with staff, students and community partners on how we as a College can turn our collective thoughts into meaningful actions. Individuals who are interested in being part of the discussion can reach out to Guy at firstnations@fanshawec.ca.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion during this very difficult time. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.