The information and material here may trigger unpleasant feelings or thoughts of past abuse. Please contact the 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 if you require emotional support.

The past few months have brought painful emotions to the surface for many Indigenous people in B.C. Announcements of unmarked graves at former residential schools may cause feelings of grief, mourning or overwhelming sadness.

While the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harms caused by the residential school system are not new, recent news can be triggering and retraumatizing for many survivors, intergenerational survivors and their families.

The trauma that individuals and their families have experienced is complex, and there is no one “right way” to feel or receive help. Emotions may resurface unexpectedly.  

You and your loved ones deserve care and support. If you or someone you know needs help, services are available.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and other organizations provide culturally safe and trauma-informed cultural, emotional, and mental health services to Indigenous people in B.C.

Find information, supports and services for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people who are impacted by residential schools – including cultural supports and professional counselling from those who understand what you are going through.

About the artist

The artwork highlighted in the banner of this article was designed by Clayton Gauthier, a Cree and Dakelh artist. He is the author of two children’s books, The Salmon Run and The Bear’s Medicine. His design of a mother and child was created to remind us all that every child matters and represents the unbreakable love of family.

The artist has provided permission for use of this artwork.