#215Children - A Note From Our ED
Graphic inspired by the concept of "Every Child Matters" from the Orange Shirt Society
The revelation of the mass grave of 215 children outside of a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia – with likely more revelations to come elsewhere in Canada – invokes anger, shame and incredulity.
Newcomer Women’s Services, Toronto reaffirms the need for all Canadians to continue educating ourselves and to hold our governments and institutions accountable for our commitments to Reconciliation.
We stand in support of numbers 71 to 76 in the Truth and Reconciliation Report that represent a call to action regarding Missing Children and Burial Information.
We stand in support of the City of Toronto as it lowers flags to mourn these 215 children for 215 hours to represent each life.
As individuals we will find ways to show our support whether through wearing orange, reflecting in silence, contacting our Member of Parliament to express support for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations, donating to the indigenous cause or purchasing books for the children in our care that tell the story of residential schools or the indigenous experience.
Many of our staff have participated in an online course offered by the University of Alberta that shares the truth about our indigenous history.
We believe in empowering newcomer women and their families in building a life in Canada, by connecting them to social and economic opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging. To belong we must acknowledge our history. We must acknowledge the land we share and together protect. And we must foster a sense that all belong!
In solidarity,
Judy Fantham, Executive Director