Flags lowered, sadness expressed in wake of Kamloops discovery

The community is responding to the news confirming the discovery of the remains of 215 children from the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

The Town of Battleford has lowered its flags to half-mast to honour the 215 children at the Kamloops residential school. “Our hearts go to the survivors and their families,” the town said on Facebook.

Flags at City Hall have been lowered to half-mast, following a statement by Mayor David Gillan, on behalf of City Council, city staff and the residents of North Battleford, saying, “We are very saddened to learn of the final resting place of so many innocent children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Our thoughts and prayers are with all our Indigenous peoples. We recognize the intergenerational impact of residential schools continues to affect our nation and is not yet fully understood.”

North West College has also lowered the flag to half staff. “Our heart goes to the Residential School survivors and their families as this discovery brings back painful memories,” the school posted on Facebook.

John Paul II Collegiate posted, “We invite you to wear orange on Tuesday and Wednesday this week in honour of the 215 children whose remains were discovered on the grounds of the Kamloops Residential School. 

Light of Christ Catholic Schools flags are also flying at half mast in memory and in honour of the children whose remains were found at Kamloops Residential School. “We are called to further truth and reconciliation. We pray that these children rest in peace,” stated their Facebook post.

Outside of the administration building of Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs on 101st Street, a display of shoes has been set up outside in memory of the 215 children. 

As well, a walk took place at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Mosquito Grizzly Bear's Head Lean Man The Ridge, where those gathered took part in a walk to the Battlefords Industrial School children's graveyard to honour survivors of residential schools and those who had died.

The Battleford graveyard is where 74 were found in a mass burial discovered by University of Saskatchewan students years earlier.