Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
Oliver town council is taking action to acknowledge the residential school “atrocity” in Kamloops.
This morning it passed a motion to draft a letter to the Osoyoos Indian Band regarding the mass burial of 215 residential school children in Kamloops, and further that the mayor consult with the OIB on appropriate next steps.
In addition, council will send a letter to the federal government expressing desire that ground search radar be used at all former residential school sites.
Further to that, Town Hall will be lit up in orange while its flags are at half-mast.
Council will also ask the government to continue implementing the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In a separate motion, council approved sending a letter of condolence to the Kamloops Indian Band.
Mayor Martin Johansen said this is a very sensitive issue for many people on many different levels. He went as far as calling this a “George Floyd moment in history.” Floyd was an African American man murdered by police in Minneapolis during an arrest in 2020.
Johansen admitted that he felt very uncomfortable reaching out to OIB Chief Clarence Louie due to the enormity of the issue. But the chief was appreciative, he pointed out.
Councillor Aimee Grice made several suggestions for action, such as erecting a memorial in the Town’s rose garden and lighting up the hall in orange. She also suggested organizing a vigil with the OIB.
Councillor Dave Mattes said he suspects that many more residential school “situations” will be uncovered as time go on.
He also wanted council to send a letter to the federal government demanding action.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger agreed.
“I think this is just a first of unfortunately more to come now that this grave was found; they will be searching every other residential school, and rightly so.”
He suggested a council resolution to support First Nations across the country and call on the federal government to do more to address the situation.
Fellow Coun. Petra Veintimilla had to compose herself while addressing the issue.
“I don’t know if anyone else is super emotional this week, but I am,” she said while trying to fend off tears.
Veintimilla said she favoured a council resolution calling on the government to conduct proper ground searches on all former residential school sites so that many parts of the country can know the truth and begin to heal.
The councillor suggested an idea offered by Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich: planting a tree as a memorial for the 215 children.
It was agreed that council will acknowledge the residential school children with a moment of silence at the next meeting on June 14.
